Moving Forward: Listen, Learn and Then Act
In a week of pain, the only conversation I can and will have here is one about standing with black people in America.
To the people of color in this community, I will never understand the depth of this pain, but I see you and I am with you. You matter.
To my fellow white people, we have a lot of work to do. And to begin this work, we must first listen to the words and the voices of black activists, writers and artists who are leading the fight toward racial equity.
In addition to sharing weekly career-related tools and insights, I'll be using this space to highlight some of the black leaders that are inspiring me. I'll be sharing their platforms so you too can continue on your personal journey to confront your own biases and your privilege.
This week, I want to share the work of Rachel Elizabeth Cargle, an academic, activist, speaker and writer who released her first public address on May 30th on the realities of the revolutionary moment we're in. She developed a three-part framework for moving forward that includes: Critical Knowledge, Radical Empathy and Intentional Action. Watch the video to learn more.
You can follow Rachel on Instagram or Facebook. One tangible way to get into action around her work is to do her FREE #DoTheWork 30day Course listed here. She offers a daily action so you can stay on your path.
As for me, I am committed to continuing to look into my own privilege as a white woman, to understand the exclusive history of feminism and work to create a new version that allows for multiple voices and perspectives. I commit to address racism when I see it, to support local organizations and elected officials committed to equity. With compassion, love and an outstretched arm, I ask that you join me. It will be uncomfortable, but there's something beautiful on the other side.
White Allies: Educate Yourselves
White Allies, our work toward racial justice is in educating ourselves.
Listening more.
Talking less.
We must not make these stories about us.
We must not change the narrative experts of color are sharing.
We must not speak for people of color.
I will be highlighting resource guides, books, articles, podcasts and names of influencers to follow.
Read: Anti-racism Resource Guide created by Tasha K. Ryals (Twitter - @tatortash)
Read: Your Black Colleagues May Look Like They’re Okay — Chances Are They’re Not by Danielle Cadet (Twitter - @dbcadet, @refinery29)
Follow Illustrator Danielle Coke on Insta - @ohhappydani
Listen to: Natal: A podcast/docu-series about having a baby while black in the United States