This week on my Work+Love Livestream, I shared about an article I had read that inspired me to action. The article was by Dr. Taharee A. Jackson and is titled, “I’m White and I’m Outraged by Ahmaud Arbery’s Murder. Now What?” The article provides a practical guide for white allies and accomplices. When I found Dr. Taharee’s article, I was in a space where I felt helpless. The recent event had caused an undeniable stirring with me, one that I knew I could not suppress.
Overwhelmed
I had become overwhelmed by the numbers of calls to action, the amount of passionate voices was inspiring but on some level intimidating. This led me to begin seeking a genuine starting place for me and my journey. I want to genuinely step up my game and be a catalyst of change. To be able to use my work and my platform, to help organizations and leaders change these systems that have resulted in a pure lack of humanity.
For years I have questioned decisions within organizations that reflected a clear disregard for what’s right. For years I have debated with leaders on the matter of ethics and business, hearing the counterargument that education is not needed because we all show up and do the right thing. For years, I have heard how my call to see the reality of our times was too dark and pessimistic, when really it is the truth for many. Our current times are showing us the results of choosing to not see and not listen, to live a life out of convenience because you can. Personally, I found myself in place of shame and vulnerability for not doing more all these years and that is not how I choose to continue moving forward.
Moved
It was this Instagram post, along with many others, encouraging the necessary self-care these incredible voices need to continue leading and inspiring the action for change – that reminded me that change will not happen overnight. Despite how much we want it to, the systems we are discussing dismantling are deeply rooted. So for true change to possible, we must all prepare to be committed to the long haul. That’s what I am seeking, how can I show up indefinitely to assure that the state of normal we once embraced never returns.
What You Can Do
Dr. Taharee provides six-steps for what we can do. These steps have served as my framework to get started, focusing heavily right now on Steps 1 and 2. But Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 are still actively in process as well. I want to take a moment and share with you how these steps are manifesting for me currently, in hopes to inspire you to not do the same as me but to do something. Find your path and way moving forward.
Start with Yourself
“Do you even know what kind of White you are?”
– Dr. Taharee
When I read this question, my answer is no. I personally have not done the work necessary to fully process my racial identity or my racial experiences.
My friend, Tony Hernandez, recommended the following two books as a place to start unpacking my racial identity. I am patiently awaiting their arrival.
Start with a Story
“What we’re asking you to do is to genuinely open your ears to what it means not to be White so you can better understand what you are free not to think about each time you leave your home or have an encounter with the police.”
-Dr. Taharee
My bookshelves are now being populated by the voices sharing their stories. I started following @bookishandblack on Instagram. I loved this post that added some fun reads to my list.
Here is my current reading list…
Start with Statistics
I have subscribed to Anti-Racism Daily: Your daily reminder to dismantle white supremacy. This daily e-newsletter is beautifully curated and provides links daily to dozens of articles and resources that provide the numbers, the statistics, the data that some need in order for you to start a conversation on why change is necessary.
Start at Home…
Start at Work…
Start Somewhere…
Regardless of where you are in your own work, which is absolutely necessary and should be continued. We need to start today doing what we can to dismantle current thought processes that allow racism to continue. Therefore, our silence can be no longer at home or at work, when the conversation arises you must verbally take a stand. These moments are with the ones you love the most, your children, your parents, your spouse, your friends – start with your inner circle. You must serve as an advocate making it known that the current status quo of how we function is not okay and should not be the path forward.
Sincerely,
