White friends who want to do something to support Black lives, I need you to LISTEN to Jessica Norwood, please. There’s a lot for us to hear in this offering. And 2 things stand out for my specific network of friends.
- Talk to the White people in your life. Your family, your friends – the liberals, the republicans, the non-voters. Anyone who you have a relationship with. People you love.
Talk to people who you never discuss race with. People who believe similar to you, but “not as far left” or “further left” than you. People that you disagree with, but y’all love each other so you do it from time to time anyways. Practice talking about race with the people you love and interact with. My mom, dad and brother have each touched my heart this week in the ways they are showing up right now. This is after years of conversations. HAVE THE CONVERSATIONS.
And listen to each other. We can all learn from what you learn in those conversations. And this is another way to practice LISTENING, which is a skill Jessica asks that we get better at in how we interact with Black and Brown leaders. - If you are asked to do something in this movement to defend Black lives, this movement for racial justice, this movement for liberation of all people, starting with Black lives… If you say yes, PLEASE DO IT. I have had multiple experiences, in times of community crisis, when people ask me what they can do. I give them a task. And then they don’t show or end up backing out at the last minute. If you say yes, organizers believe you and have a gazillion other things to turn to. The lack of follow-through and accountability causes extra labor, work for people that are already stretching it. I can’t even imagine how much this happens to leaders of color.
We are each needed on the path to liberation for all people. There is a role for you. Find yours, if you really want to do something. It won’t be a comfortable journey — finding your role and walking your path — but the outcomes are worth it, your humanity, our humanity is worth it.
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