(artwork by Grace D. Chin)
I'd just like to share a few resources that I've found helpful in processing the events of the last few weeks, and for moving into action against white supremacy.
Those of us who are white (as I am) are being called upon to examine and transform our own ideas and perceptions, and to use our time and our resources to help eradicate the cultural sickness of white supremacy. As white members of the healing community, specifically, I believe we have a sacred collective responsibility to use our lives and work to help dismantle this system.
The links below are just a few places to look to for inspiration, there are so many resources being shared right now. Listen deeply, and expand the circle of voices you follow. I'm not an expert, I'm learning. We'll make progress when we commit to keep learning, together, even when things get uncomfortable. As white folks, it's our responsibility to center the voices of communities of color, but remember that it isn't fair to expect them to bear the burden of educating us. Read, listen to and financially support the people of color doing that work, and respect their time and energy. The work that needs to be done in ourselves and in our communities will not be quick, easy, tidy, or ever finished. Dismantling entire deeply entrenched systems of oppression is lifelong healing work, but we cannot afford to be deterred. Take heart, take care and take action.
self-education + examination:
(some really helpful definitions) on racism, discrimination & bigotry by Karen Walrond at Chookooloonks
I need to talk to spiritual white women about white supremacy by Layla Saad of Wild Mystic Woman
this piece by Ijeoma Oluo at The Establishment (she also has a book coming out soon, pre-order it here)
The Painful and Liberating Practice of Facing My Own Racism by Courtney Martin at On Being
The Painful and Liberating Practice of Facing My Own Racism by Courtney Martin at On Being
Calling in the New Age: Identifying Oppressive Ideals in our Spirituality by Molly of Bitchy & Witchy
a reading list for young and old on social justice topics (talking about these issues with kids is an important part of breaking the cycle) from Erin at Reading My Tea Leaves
action to take:
8 direct asks from organizers in Charlottesville
understanding and addressing institutional racism by Sharif El-Mekki
understanding and addressing institutional racism by Sharif El-Mekki
learn how to start conversations that matter with family and friends
a big, evolving crowd-sourced list, with many ways to plug in
a big, evolving crowd-sourced list, with many ways to plug in
join your local Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ) chapter or other local anti-racist organizing group, while remaining aware of the critiques of white organizing spaces, and committing to address them. We will make mistakes, but we cannot do this work without real accountability to communities of color.
Thanks for being here, let's keep talking about things that matter.