Many institutions started new anti racist and #DEI committees/groups this fall after the horror that was Spring 2020 and the strings of murders of Black folx. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🧵" title="Thread" aria-label="Emoji: Thread">

I’m aware that many of these committees are struggling, as well-intentioned as the leaders and participants may have been. This saddens me bc that’s when people don’t know what to do, it all falls apart, and morale hits the ground.

For some, it becomes performative bc they feel like they’re “at least doing something.” Others see right through them & become angry that no one else is wanting real change. Some others lead & lead & lead and the very committee they wanted for liberation is now a heavy burden.

My twenty five cents on how to handle this: First, the group has to stop. There needs to be an establishing of WHY; for the individuals and for the group. Too often we just assume everyone is on the same page and that’s a weak foot to start on.

Second, there needs to be an establishing of WHAT.
- What is the problem at this school/org?
- What do we want to change?
- What issues is this causing?

A real thorough comb-through of the issue(s)....

Third: then you can move into the HOW. Too many of these committees are focused on the how but never answered the why or what. That can cause failure. If you don’t know why you’re in the car or where you’re headed, it doesn’t matter that you think u can drive it. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤷🏽‍♀️" title="Achselzuckende Frau (mittlerer Hautton)" aria-label="Emoji: Achselzuckende Frau (mittlerer Hautton)">

Y’all- As performative as these committees may be, they might offer a chance for at least a slice of institutional change. Collaborate. Make it work. Do a thing- even if small.

(This thread does not include horribly toxic environments.)