Ever wonder why Indigenous and racialized folxs are reluctant to join antiracism movements led by white folxs? Here’s an example, a :
1/10

Around a year ago I was invited to join a FB group for antiracism. A place where people could learn what they didn’t know, prompted by BLM. 2/10

I declined. I passed some info to a friend who did join to share, but I didn’t want to be in that space. I educate on antiracism and decolonization daily, but am careful to try to keep spaces safe. An unregulated FB group cannot be that. 3/10

Today I saw a post that was shared from that group (it’s an open group) that looked interesting so I thought I would check out the group and see how they are getting on a year later. 4/10

Almost 4000 members and multiple daily posts from different members, very active group. Cool, cool they’re doing well. Great job... 5/10

Then I see a post about systemic racism and intergenerational wealth etc. Huh, great! These are important conversations to have. And then - and then - I started reading the comments... 6/10

A person - in an ANTIRACISM group - started commenting about Indigenous people and giving money away and it not working etc etc. 7/10

There were so many untruths there. In assumptions being made, information that was just wrong and deeply, deeply ingrained systemic and epistemic racism. 8/10

But worse, was that out of almost 4000 people declaring themselves to be anti racist, 2 people tried to counter what this person was saying (one was the OP). In an antiracism group. 9/10

So when your group asks/invites BIPOC people to be involved, and you proclaim allyship, don’t be surprised if people are wary. This happens a lot and your actions will make a huge difference to building trust. Be one of the 2, not one of the 3998. 10/10