Marina Martinez
Featured image by Melany Rochester.
It is undoubtedly easy to find systemic oppression and injustice in the United States. While white people never face oppression based on our race, it is our job to dismantle the very institutions that deal us our privilege in the first place. We must amplify POC voices without standing in their way. We must be vocally anti-racist in order to find any tangible progress. It’s just not enough to stay silent. Here’s how we can help take action:
#1 Find black-owned businesses to support.
Shop in your area and online. You can find a directory of black-owned businesses at Official Black Wall Street.
#2 Donate to groups that work to elect people of color.
#3 If you are able, donate to anti-white supremacy work.
If not, join their movements and take action that they need. Showing Up For Racial Justice has compiled a list of groups to get started.
#4 Read more literature by black authors.
Speak with those around you about what you’ve learned. Here are some suggestions:
Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
#5 Call or write to local legislators.
#6 Talk to white people in your life who perpetuate racism.
The more they hear about problems with their rhetoric, the more likely they might be to reconsider their harmful language. How can you guide your friends and family members to reconsider the words they’re using?
#7 Raise issues that people of color face on the campaign trail.
During an election year, we have an opportunity to voice what matters to those campaigning. Starting from your local candidates, bring them to discuss their plans against the systemic racial disparity we see today. You can do this by calling, emailing, or attending town halls if they are available. See who’s on your ballot here.
