Pretty Busy Weekly, 6.1.2020
I am not sure where to really begin with the events of the past week, but I can say that they lie heavy on my heart. I know that I cannot write a weekly recap without acknowledging and addressing the magnitude of the events unfolding around me, particularly in Brooklyn, following the murders of three innocent Black lives.
And while I have confusion, anger, fear and frustration, I know that those emotions are only magnified for our communities of color and the Black community. As an educator that serves students of color, it is imperative that I work harder as a White woman to listen and educate myself more on my own privildge and the historical experiences and current perspectives of others, on my own volition. I need to continue to put in the work. We all do.
Here’s what I am going to be doing as part of that journey right now, and some ways you can support. We all have something we can do to learn and grow:
- Donate to the ACLU, and make it a monthly, standing donation. If you aren’t sure where to donate, consider the National Bailout Fund to stand in solidarity with protestors, to the Black Lives Matter movement, or other organizations doing the most challenging work right now.
- Find texts and resources that will aid you in educating yourself from the voices of people of color. I purchased, How to be an Anti-Racist, by Ibram X. Kendi. I’m listening to the book, and offered to read it with my family members so we can educate ourselves together. Comment below if you want to join in.
- Listen to the voices and needs of those in your community, especially the people of color. A colleague/friend sent me this article this weekend, and it really shaped my perspective going into the work week following the past week’s events.
- Branch out and consider whose voices you do/do not follow on social media. Look for new voices to hear other perspectives, and eliminate those that are silent, hurtful, or speak against what you believe in.
- Have difficult conversations with your family and friends who are struggling to understand why this is happening or how they experience race and privilege in their own identities. Help one another learn; we do not have all of the answers. Finding resources and educating yourselves together as White people is one way to suggest that you all have more to understand about racism in America, together.
- Can’t stop, won’t stop! I am hearing so many more voices speak up right now. We cannot let this fight dissapate like so many have prior to this. But the only way that happens is if the people with privilege and power, like myself, continue to educate themselves and advocate with others.
Like my shirt says, be the good. We can only control ourselves, so make sure your actions count and consider the needs of others as we move forward. Make sure you are lifting up the voices that need to be heard, and voting for the candidates who represent these changes in November.
The way we show up now will predict the way in which our society changes in the future. Don’t avoid things because they make you uncomfortable; as a White person, you and I need to embrace and welcome that discomfort, and recongize it is a privilege that you we not have to exist in it every day without choice. You will learn more about yourself and others.
While I started this blog to write about beauty and lifestyle, it would feel wrong not to acknowledge and address the current reality of our world, especially as it unfolds in my own city. If these events are not impacting you, if they are not on the forefront of your mind, if they are not taking priority right now, that is problematic. Make time and space to learn and reflect. I hope that those who are out there on the frontlines, protesting and fighting for change, take care of themselves, too. Share the resources that you are engaging with below so we can expand in our learning and understanding as a community.
In solidarity,
Alicia
