Right now, we are engaged in one of the most challenging, but necessary, at this time within our history. It is necessary because we have never fully addressed the ongoing individual, but more importantly, systemic racism within our society. Each of our nation’s institutions are operating as intended – to perpetuate White wealth and power at the expense of Black children and families. Current events are highlighting the ongoing frustration that Black Americans feel.
We all have been socialized within our racist society to buy into this false narrative. A part of that socialization has been to accept White existence as the norm within our society. As such, policies and practices within our systems have been set up within the perspective of a White worldview, knowingly or unknowingly.
In addition, the inferiority of and false narratives about Black people permeate our collective subconscious. Even though we may proclaim we are not racist, images, understandings, and knowings about who Black people are have been passed on from one generation to the next. In most cases, these collective memories have dissipated because of the progression of humanity; however, they are still there – even when we say, “I am not racist!” or “I have a Black friend.”
To admit this fact is the first step in moving forward in our commitment to becoming an anti-racist. It is important to understand that our journeys toward becoming anti-racists is not a check-the-box activity. Becoming an anti-racist is an ongoing, continual commitment that is grounded in education, listening, self-reflection, and healing from the trauma of slavery and racism.
So, how can you begin your journey towards becoming an anti-racist? For White people, it is essential that we undertake this journey on our own. We cannot rely on Black men and women to enlighten or support us.
- Educate yourself. Read books on racism and the true history of our country. A few include White Fragility, White Rage, Between the World and Me, the 1619 Project, How to be an Anti-Racist and Stamped from the Beginning.
- Follow Black men and women on social media, particularly Twitter. Bree Newsome Bass, Bakari Sellers, Jamil Smith, Clint Smith, Yamiche Alcindor, Zerlina Maxwell, Karine Jean-Pierre, Goldie, Joy Reid, Nikole Hannah-Jones, ICE T, Soledad O’Brien, BrooklynDad_Defiant, BeAKing, Roxane Gay, and Jonathan Capeheart to name a few
- Reflect. Take time to journal your own experience growing up within our racist society and how this has influenced how you operate in the world – where you live, where you send your children to school, who you socialize with. Do you self-isolate out of fear or comfort?
- Commit to undoing your colorblindness. Most White people were raised to not see color. For example, we often have said I choose to see the content of your character, not the color of your skin. This may be true; however, colorblind ideology is harmful and counterproductive to the cause. We have to gain a better understanding of Black existence so that we can commit to be an ally in the cause of social justice.
- Stand beside, behind, but never in front of Black people. White people have taken up the oxygen in the room for far too long. We must stand back so that we can listen, learn, and let Black people lead the way forward. That is critical in the work of social justice. It is not our job to look for solutions at this time. It is our job to be an ally to our Black peers.
Take this time right now to make this commitment. White people must be involved in the cause; however, we need to take these steps towards anti-racism before that can happen.