Resources for Continuing Anti-Racism Work
Hi (white) friends, we’re not talking about food this week because the events taking place are obviously more important. I used to think I needed to separate my personal life from Sweet Peaches me, but now we’re not holding back on talking about racism because it’s not what this blog is “about”. I started talking about COVID-19 because science isn’t political, so it’s about damn time I start talking about police brutality and Black lives matter because human rights shouldn’t be political either. Here’s some actionable anti-racism steps you can take:
Follow Black creators and activists and LISTEN
I’ve found Jessica Wilson and Alishia McCullough through the #amplifymelanatedvoices campaign and learned a lot about anti-racism from both their posts. Rachel Cargle has shared tools that helped me such as how to respond when a Black person calls you out on what you said (even if you’re intentions were good, what was the impact?) Within the health and wellness community, I’ve enjoyed following Healthy Vibes ATL, Healthy On You, Beets by Brooke, and Jessica in the Kitchen to name a few. Find people in your field to diversify the voices in your feeds.
Donate and compensate Black people for their work
Often people who are sharing their work also share ways to compensate them for their time and emotional labor. Pay them the same way you would if you were buying a book or taking a workshop that you benefited from. Donate to memorial funds, advocacy groups like Reclaim the Block, bail funds, and other groups that can’t run without monetary support. Again, find groups to support in your community and listen to who needs support and funds.
Learn to be uncomfortable and confront your role in the system
Read Me and White Supremacy. There is a reason everyone is suggesting this book. I wish I had this book before, but I’m beginning to work through it now. If you are white (or white-passing the author argues) this book is a must read!
Respond to the US Census
The census is important because it will decide for the next 10 years how the people of the US are represented in congress, where funds are distributed, and more broadly, how researchers design studies and know who to represent in their work. The current administration tried to scare people away with a citizenship question, but it was overturned. This is one way to work within the system to make change. However, there are reasons people would choose not to answer the census, and I really appreciated the perspectives shared on the Code Switch Episode “Mother, Should I Trust the Census Bureau?”
Register to vote…and VOTE!
This differs from state to state but look up how to register. COVID has complicated things, but often you can register online, at the DMV, or your local library. If you’re unhappy with the people in charge, vote them out! Get a sample ballot and research the people you stand behind. Obviously, this is only once piece of the picture and people like Stacy Abrams with Fair Fight have highlighted modern voter suppression practices, but we need new people in elected positions. Check out Abrams’s perspective on voting here.
Educate yourself on anti-racism
And by yourself I mean use Google, use resource lists that have already been made, or ask white friends who are also educating themselves. Don’t expect Black people to be your personal race teacher. Listen to their voices, and answer questions on your own. So many lists have been shared about documentaries, shows, books, and podcasts which are all great ways to educate yourself and learn where your gaps in knowledge are. Here are a few of my favorites:
Code Switch– An amazing NPR podcast that tells great stories and has taught me so much!
Dear White People- A Netflix show that will make you laugh and think about racism
Broken Harts– A podcast about the the Hart family who used their multicultural family on Facebook for likes, but abused them behind closed doors which ended in a murder-suicide. A look into tokenism and white saviorism as well as problems with the foster care system and child protective services in the US.
The Missionary– My most recent listen also on the topic of white saviorism. A story about a woman starting a non-profit in Uganda to “help children” but many seem to be dying instead.
And most of all, white folks let’s not be silent anymore.
Let’s not fall back into apathy because our privilege allows us to. I think the most important thing I learned is that you have to always work to be actively work toward anti-racism. I wanted to create a blog post that I could update and keep linked in my Instagram to direct people to. Feel free to direct me to other resources I may have missed or share them in to comments below!