Being an ally (a genuine, good ally) takes work (typically, a lot of work.) But white people need to start showing up in a big way when it comes to undoing and preventing racial injustice, and not just when it’s televised or convenient. It’s time to check privilege, put fragility aside, prepare to get uncomfortable and messy (things will get uncomfortable and messy) and fully commit to doing better. Here’s the first installment of what will be a weekly round-up of resources and other important reads for your consideration; there’s a lot to cover, but the only way is forward:
“Do what you can to educate yourself before you ask others to explain things to you. There are a wealth of resources available to you online. Google is your friend.” CNN’s starter pack for how to support marginalized communities.
“…when white people mess up, what will they do then? Will they retreat? Will they give up? Will they lash out? Will they push blame onto others? Or will they use this as an opportunity to learn what not to do and commit to doing better?” Leslie Mac speaks to Refinery29 about allyship.
Here’s a Google Doc on how to start taking meaningful action from a variety of angles.
“If you are white or a non-black person of color, chances are you’ve seen and heard examples of anti-black racism from friends, family or colleagues. It’s our job to call it out when it happens, even if it feels uncomfortable.” KQED gives 5 Ways to Show Up for Racial Justice Today; some of the organizations included are California-based (just a note if you’re DC, NYC or elsewhere-based), but good tips on the whole.
“So while you navigate this pandemic which has ravaged our way of life — and prematurely taken the lives of so many no matter what race — acknowledge that burden is falling on your Black colleagues disproportionately. And know that they’ll never show it.” Danielle Cadet writes for Refinery29 in Your Black Colleagues May Look Like They’re Okay — Chances Are They’re Not.
Here is a great thread that Ayo Edebiri started on Twitter to compile Black mental health resources that includes places accepting donations. (Also, this list of mental health resources compiled by Jesse Sparks for Healthyish.)
Being black is having a good day and then seeing another black person was killed for no reason. then you have to think about/talk about that all day. or don't and numb yourself. It's a constant emotional war.
— quinta brunson (@quintabrunson) May 26, 2020
Sometimes I tweet about my feelings and they go viral. White people start following me expecting an activist. That’s also part of the problem. I expressed an emotion. It was not revolutionary. It’s how i am feeling. Go figure out what you can do to help.
— quinta brunson (@quintabrunson) May 27, 2020
“The media you consume has the power either to reinforce prejudices or to educate on the ways in which the world can be different. To become a better ally, you have to understand what you’re fighting against.” 12 Books, Movies, And Podcasts You Should Consume To Become A Better Ally To The Black Community from Well and Good ft. picks from Rashid Shabazz of Color of Change.
Here is an additional Google Doc outlining even more media to consume, as well as other anti-racism resources.
“When buying books, especially ones to educate yourself on this issue, buy from black-owned bookstores.” Who What Wear has a variety of good information in What You Can Do To Combat Racism, including lists of BIPOC businesses to support and other crucial places to donate.
(Or if you are financially unable to purchase books right now, many libraries including DCPL are offering temporary ecards which will allow you to check out and place holds on a wide selection of ebooks via Overdrive.)
“Support black businesses. Find them on WeBuyBlack, The Black Wallet, and Official Black Wall Street.” In addition to tips like this one, Medium has an even bigger list of actionable steps you can take (75, to be exact) on the path towards racial justice.
“Before donating to a specific bail fund, Weiss advises checking your preferred organization’s Twitter feed to see how they are resourced and what they recommend.” PAPER delves into how cash bail is tied to systemic racism, and offers guidance on how to donate.
(Additionally, here’s a crowd-sourced Google Doc full of bail funds in need of donations.)
“People in the privileged position of not experiencing law enforcement as a direct threat have a moral obligation to support others who don’t have that same privilege. Here’s how to do that in a way that minimizes the risks involved, both to ourselves and the people we fight alongside.” VICE has a guide to protesting during a pandemic.
there were too many white people without masks on. too many white people that I had to tell to not run — to stay — to remain calm. if you're at a protest tonight or in the future, please be there to help us. and do the work of actually helping us. damn.
— Ayo Edebiri (@ayoedebiri) May 31, 2020
This is by no means an exhaustive list, which is why we’ll be continuing to update on a weekly basis. If you have suggestions, or experiences you’d want to share – we have this platform, and would like to offer it up to you – please feel free to get in touch anytime by emailing [email protected]
