010: Fighting Racism within yourself
It is hard for me to talk about this and only mention what has happened in the last week because the last week has just been a glimpse into what has been going on in our country for years.
Six days ago, we as a country, watched helplessly as a black man, George Floyd, was killed under the knee of a policeman. He was in handcuffs and the police kept his knee on his neck for at total of 8 minutes.
There was no refuting it.
This was murder.
This, however, isn’t the first murder. It isn’t even the first murder we found out about this month. Just 3 weeks earlier, we were shown footage of Ahmaud Arbery shot and killed as he jogged down the street. For 74 days, police had that footage before a nation demanded justice.
This isn’t new. But as white people, we are just starting to see it.
We are beginning to realize that racism is everywhere. We are slowly picking up terms such as systematic racism, redlining, police brutality. And so many Americans are asking, ok, what do we do now?
That is what this episode is about. Where to begin. What steps to take. And how to start the process for becoming anti-racist.
Before you click below there are just a few things I want you to know. And I want it to really soak in.
I am not a leader of anti-racism. I am simply a white allie who has been unlearning my own racial bias for the last 6 years.
I chose for this particular episode to still be just Wes & I. We debated bringing on a black educator but know their time right now is more stretched than it has ever been. And they are exhausted answering the same questions over an over by white people who are just waking up.
I 100% plan to bring black voices to this podcast. Yes, to talk about race… if that is their platform and how they provide for their family, also to talk about marriage… business… motherhood. I want to represent all voices here.
This conversation, however, is focused on talking to white people. Black people know about systematic racism, they don’t need any more education on it. They already know privilege. And we have reached the point where I believe (and have heard our black community say) it is time for white people to step in and educate white people. I want to start the conversation & then direct you to black anti-racism leaders to finish it…. you can find their links below.
I would also love to have black educators to teach us about how to talk with our kids about racism. This episode is not about your kids. It starts with you.
Lastly, yes, I am saying black instead of African American. I recognize that for some, African American is preferred. But not all black people identify as African American. And today, I am referring to the black community, and anyone who identifies as black, as a whole.
Watch or listen below.
resources mentioned in the podcast to start your own learning:
Examples of Microaggressions to avoid
Anti Racism Leaders to listen to and learn from:
Rachel is a voice to listen to when going through your process of unlearning. She has written many powerful articles including “Dear White women” and “Unpacking White feminism.” I will admit to you, you need to sit in her words. They are a gut punch revealing things we didn’t know existed and have found their ways into us. It hurts. It is suppose to. She also has a non profit you can donate to for deeper education & a non profit that provides counseling for black women. Look at her work & if you have questions… ask me. I will either know the answer or help you uncover it. She is busy… leave her alone unless you are cheering her on.
Great instagram account for parents who are trying to navigate this conversation at home.
Monique Melton has created several class options and a full e-course to help unpack racism. You can go to the link in her bio to purchase her “Anti-Racism 101” class or on June 9th she is offering her “Shine” Class. https://www.instagram.com/moemotivate/
Diversify your feed: women of color to follow and support
Additional resources & videos worth watching:
Life is a little crazy, and sometimes you feel a little crazy... especially when the world is broken and you don’t know your place to fix it... you are not alone. I get it.
Be Happy and Love each other. -T