Here’s the real reason “not racist” is not enough: because it enables us to ignore the power we have, and how we can use that power to change the racist policies in our workplaces, and to identify and change the racial inequities we see in our personal spheres of influence.

So, if you identify as “not racist” (or antiracist) but are content to think that eradicating your own racism is enough, and that you have no power or responsibility to start moving the needle in the other direction in whatever way you possibly can - you are part of the problem.

Are you an employee, a manager, an influencer? A teacher, a doctor, an HR exec, an entrepreneur, a real estate agent, a bank lender, a person who spends money, a person who votes? A person capable of reading your local newspaper and calling your council?

Do you hire people? Promote people within your workplace? Scream until credit is given to those who deserve it? Raise issues that are unsafe for marginalized groups to raise? Listen when someone points out racism around you?

You have power to change racist policy. Use it!

And, a call to action:

What is something you can do to promote racial equity in the space around you, or to dismantle racist policies that exist around you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I’ll start: I vote in local elections, call my council and mayor. I donate money every month and have since I turned 18. I’ve started programs on my own when my schools/workplaces weren’t willing. I try to change the policies/ideas of those with more power than myself.