How To: Anti-Racism Journey
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the problems in the US. When racism has been so systemic for over 400 years, how can we fix it? You may be thinking “I am just one person…how can I have an impact?” You’re right. We can’t expect one person do upend historical racism, disenfranchisement, and unequal opportunity. However, we can take steps to improve the world around us. Those steps can be big or small.
Here are some suggestions for where to start. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I am not an expert. I am simply sharing my ideas. Participate in activities like these with a humble and curious spirit. These are for your learning and growth, not performative measures for social media.
1. Read articles
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/explaining-white-privilege-to-a-broke-white-person_b_5269255
https://wagingnonviolence.org/forusa/2019/02/case-for-interpersonal-reparations/
https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race/topics/being-antiracist
2. Eat at Black Owned Restaurants
3. Read Books (see last post)
4. Read books to your kids with other races featured
The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
The Skin You Live In by Michael Taylor
5. Listen to Podcasts:
6. View a movie that details the experience of other cultures in America. Discuss it with your friends.
White Man’s Image
I Am Not Your Negro documentary
13th Documentary
7. Make friends who do not look or act like you
8. Look for organizations with diverse leadership and join those organizations.
9. Get involved in anti-racist groups and non-profits.
10. Volunteer for or donate to an organization
Freedman Heirs Foundation https://www.freedmenheirs.org/
ACLU National Prison Project Journal
The National Reparations Movement https://reparations4slavery.com/hr-40-the-national-reparations-movement/
Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/
Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women https://mmiwusa.org/
11. Join a facebook group or follow accounts on social media
12. Sign up for newsletters
13. Practice a response to your family members when they say inappropriate things
14. Talk with your partner about boundaries with family members. Example: we will leave the dinner if racist comments are mentioned.
15. Take a class https://www.soulfirefarm.org/programs/urfs/
16. Attend or research Kemetic yoga instead of other yoga offerings https://www.instagram.com/p/DFg6yFMxZta/
17. Buy produce from a CSA or Farmer’s Market that supports BIPOC farmers - https://www.pearlfamilyfarm.com/
18. Donate to or volunteer for politicians that support anti-racist measures
This is my Meal Prep results from my first week of vegetables from Mr. Pearl’s CSA (link above). Fantastic veggies included: kale, asparagus, bok choy, broccoli, and green onions. Delicious!