Afraid we don’t know enough.

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First do self-work. As white people, we’re quick to be active and try to solve everything. In this instance, we are the problem. Examine myself first – my beliefs, my misconceptions, my bias – then learn how I can be an ally. If I just consider how I can be a good human, and live by antiracist example, it becomes clear and less complex.

 

Afraid to say the wrong thing.

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It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable and address our privilege with ourselves, with our loved ones, with our neighbors and with our Black brothers and sisters. We grow when we are uncomfortable. We won’t always say and do the right thing. But we are trying, and we will be criticized. We’re trying to right decades of wrong. Things will not change overnight. We must be compassionate, intentional, and authentic. 

 

Don’t know where to start.

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No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Recognizing our privilege comes first Now we can begin to heal ourselves. It took us years for this to build, and it will take years to dismantle. We must practice antiracism daily.

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•Self-work – It is really where the most transformation happens. Learn and then consider your network and how to can advance antiracism – the path is different for everyone, there is no prescribed check list.

 

•Learn about Black history, about Black culture, learn about Black Lives Matter.

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•Read the articles and resource list provided by Black Lives Matter (link).

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•Take the free Harvard Implicit Bias assessment (link).

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•Sign a petition about for a local or national political movement that supports antiracism and contact your elected government officials to learn what they’re leading and how you can support.

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•Contact local and national education officials about changing curriculum to include Black history.

 

•Talk to your loved ones about white privilege and what you are doing to dismantle racism. Often you’ll be planting seeds on dry ground, but the conversation is the seed – the start of growth.

 

•Have intentional conversations with neighbors and colleagues. Open the dialogue – be compassionate, listen.

 

•When you see something that is wrong, say something. We are all part of humanity; we are in this together.

 

•Be an ally. Don’t overburden Black folk with your personal need to soothe white guilt. Do the right thing.

 

•Register and in participate in racial equality conversations through social media and community platforms.

 

•Support Black-owned businesses, share your support with your network. A partial listing is available here.

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•Don’t worry about being extra nice to your friends of Color, have more conversations with your white friends about racism.​