Urgency-Why are you working to undo racism?
Most people like to wear the title of antiracist without living the lifestyle! Many people believe their work to undo racism is to help somebody else less fortunate. You may have heard someone (or maybe you have) refer to themselves as an ally. There's no such thing when it comes to racism. Racism has impacted and dehumanized us all-red, yellow, black and white! (Brown was added later to the race construct.) You can't do something for someone else that you are not doing, have done, or are willing to do for yourself...not without causing further harm.
Neely Fuller said, "If you don't understand white supremacy/racism, everything that you do understand will only confuse you.”
As much as I want my nieces and nephews to never experience what I have and to create a legacy for my children's children, to work on their behalf without working for my own liberation is self-deprecating. Even the Bible says love your neighbor AS you love yourself. I must love on me to better love on you!
So I ask...what's your urgency to undo racism? If you don't feel any urgency, then why not? Why might that be? Are you aware of what racism has done to you? Do you ever think about your race?
I've heard my white counterparts say that being white is like a fish in water. It's only when the fish is out of the water does it think about water. Whereas others have to navigate the water carefully to avoid being drowned. If the fish lives based on the condition of the water, what are you living, breathing and drinking all day that might be just as toxic to you as those of us who have to strategically navigate the water to survive? How do you (the fish) ensure your survival?
if you can't or are unwilling to self assess how racism impacts you, you probably don't need to be working in a nonprofit system. You will only perpetuate racism and continue to injure the people that you are there to help.
I'm here with you for the journey, to guide you, to coach you because I understand my liberation (well-being) is caught up in your liberation (well-being). I can't be free until we are all free. I am because we are!
