Resources for Dismantling White Supremacy
Last year, I wrote a 3 part series about white supremacy in America in reaction to the death of George Floyd and the subsequent uprising that occurred. A year has passed. Some things have changed but so many things have not. I am re-sharing my blog that highlights resources, and actions we must continue to take to make a lasting change.
I share steps to start changing how you look at systemic racism; resources of great social media accounts to follow; and places where you can donate.
@superniceletters
So, you want to help but you don’t know what to do. Start with these steps:
Recognize that even if you do not consider yourself racist, you benefit from the results of systemic racism. Reflect upon every aspect of your life, and look to see where and how the experience of the black community differs. As white people, we have been privileged enough to have many things handed to us that Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) do not.
Aside from the heinous acts of violence (physical, mental, and emotional) inflicted upon the black community, racism affects every part of the black experience. Even simple things such as getting a cup of coffee can be dangerous and damaging experiences for a black person. Things that you don’t even think about cause BIPOC extreme amounts of fear and anxiety. Understanding that you don’t understand is the first step.
Speak out against racism every single time you see and hear it. This is the load that white people who aim to be allies or accomplices need to bear. This means not only in public with strangers but also with your friends, family, bosses, employees, and other members of your community. This is how you use your white privilege to enact change. White people who are racist are far more likely to hear why this is wrong from their granddaughter or son, rather than a stranger on the internet or the street. It is our duty to educate people.
@ogorchukwuu
Educate yourself on the injustices faced by the black community. Read books by black authors. Read stories by members of the black community. Look to those who have been doing the work for many years:
Here’s a good essay about white privilege written by a white woman:
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh
Donate to causes that support the black community. Here are some great grassroots causes that you can support today:
@ogorchukwuu
The resources above are meant to be a jumping off point, not an end-all-be-all. Please continue to educate yourself and your loved ones! Dismantling racism and restructuring our society is a life’s work.
Click here to Read Part 1: Unpacking
*The Black Star Project: https://www.blackstarproject.org/index.php/2-uncategorised/132-circulate-black-dollars-in-black-communites.html
Meet the Author
As the General Manager for Pongo Power, Izzy helps oversee and manage ongoing projects in all departments. Her knacks for organization and administration help Pongo Power implement the much needed systems for a growing small business!
She brings over 10 years of administrative, client-oriented and managerial experience as well as a personal passion for health and wellness! During her free time, Izzy is often at the gym/yoga studio, on a long walk through the city or searching for a new vegan restaurant!
“My passion in life is to make things as simple as possible. I believe we can achieve anything as long as we truly understand it. We can understand anything if it’s broached to us in a language we comprehend. My goal is to speak YOUR language!”
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