I’ve struggled with writing this blog post. Nothing I can write right now seems enough for what is happening in the world. Truthfully, nothing I can write IS enough. And really, my words are just not what is important right now. I’m trying to be cautious about not taking space from BIPOC, so instead of focusing on my own thoughts over the next weeks I’m going to be sharing some of my favorite posts and memes and resources to help #amplifymelanatedvoices and draw attention to some of the lesser known consequences of racism and white supremacy. I plan to post additional resources a couple times a month to fuel internal work and continue to give space to the Black Lives Matter movement. Being anti-racist is not a destination, it is a lifelong effort and commitment.

If you’re white and new to this work, here are a few quick tips to help you in your own journey:

Support Black people.
Stand with them and behind them - not in front. The narrative is not mine to tell. I don’t get to decide what is right or wrong for people that have been oppressed and marginalized and murdered for centuries to do. I will never understand how that feels. Follow Black leaders on Facebook or Instagram (quick tip - follow #amplifymelanatedvoices for some amazing content), listen to their podcasts, read their books, financially donate to their organizations if you can. Please please PLEASE do not expect BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) to teach you about your racism. It is NOT their job to support you or walk you through your work.
Teach your kids.
They’re never too young to learn about racism and the effects that it has for our world. This resource list is helpful. It includes podcasts, book lists, and parenting tips. You can find further tips here and a letter to white parents here. There was also a really great recent Sesame Street/CNN town hall on racism, check out the whole thing here. Read the resources. Your children need to hear this from you, and they need to hear it now.
Be humble when corrected.
You’re not going to say the right things all the time (and neither am I). But be willing to be corrected and to learn graciously. Humility goes a long way. Don’t be a dick.
Challenge yourself and get uncomfortable.
You should be uncomfortable. You should be outraged. You should be heartbroken. If you are not - you are not paying attention. Speak up when you see something. Don’t look away. Don’t ignore what is going on around you. Push yourself. Feel the uncomfortable-ness and let it change you. Then do better.
Take responsibility for yourself.
It is YOUR responsibility to own up to your privilege. It is YOUR responsibility to learn (check out an book list for adults by Ibram X. Kendi here, and read his new book “How to be an Antiracist”). It is YOUR responsibility to speak up and not stay silent. It is YOUR responsibility to actively be antiracist do your part to stop what is happening in our country. Acknowledge how you’ve benefitted from white privilege.
Speak up.
Silence just isn’t good enough. Speak up when you see or hear someone say something. This does NOT mean write monologues about your own feelings or the epiphany that you’ve had. It. Is. Not. About. You.

On to the good stuff:

Right now I’m reading “Me and White Supremacy” by Layla F. Saad. It is legitimately life changing. I’d like to consider myself pretty well informed, but this book - WHOA did she call me out in a very raw but needed way. Click here to purchase the book from a bookstore owned by an African American couple in Michigan called EyeSeeMe (remember when we talked about supporting BIPOC? This is that. Could you get it faster from Amazon? Probably. But I’m pretty sure your business means a whole lot more to a family owned bookshop.)

Also please be aware of this happening next week and support Black writers if you are able to do so:

Check out this list of 43 books by Black Authors to Read in 2020 for a great place to start. I have “How to be Anti Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi and a few kids books on their way to me now and plan to pick up a couple more in the coming week.

Two final thoughts to consider as you move through your week: