There is Work to Be Done:
Anti-Racism Resources

I sat at my computer keyboard many times this week trying to find the words to best express my sadness at the horrible and violent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and the countless others that came before them. Stephon Clark, Alton Sterling, Mike Brown, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Amadou Diallo, Walter Scott, Eric Garner and so many more.

I am outraged at the police brutality and the racial injustice that still permeates our society at every level. But I also realize that my outrage is not nearly enough.

A blog post, a donation, a protest, a petition – while important, these are not enough to facilitate the lasting change we so desperately need.

As #MyPresident, Barack Obama, so eloquently wrote in this recent piece, “If we want to bring about real change, then the choice isn’t between protest and politics. We have to do both. We have to mobilize to raise awareness, and we have to organize and cast our ballots to make sure that we elect candidates who will act on reform.”

I have been asked many times over the years how I am comfortable speaking out about politics and causes I care about publicly and on my business platform. Aren’t I afraid of losing clients or alienating people? My answer has always been, “How can we not talk about politics? Politics affects us on all of the things we should care about – healthcare, education, equality, our children, social justice and so much more.” To not care about politics or the issues that affect our lives every day is the height of ignorance, the epitome of privilege, an utter lack of awareness, or sadly, all three.

And if I lose a few so-called friends and followers because I talk about politics? Those were never my people to begin with.

So how does one go about addressing such a complex and emotional situation, especially as a white woman of privilege? I want to listen and I want to learn, but I also want to speak out and I want to help. I am a doer – not someone who is comfortable sitting idly by while injustice rages rampant.

Like many white women I know and respect, I am listening to and learning from my black peers and leaders and using my platform to share and educate alongside them. I am donating to the organizations I know like Black Lives Matter and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and learning about and supporting others I am discovering like Campaign Zero, which is working to end police violence in our country. And I am taking action through SameSide, a platform that amplifies campaigns that fight for equality, justice and progress.

I questioned whether I am the right person to share these resources, as there are so many who are more qualified than me. But if I can play some small part in a more equitable and just society, in supporting my black sisters and brothers and bringing more awareness and education to even one more human, then it is most definitely worth it.

All lives can’t matter until black lives matter. Until all lives are valued equally, there is more work to be done.

The reality is, we all need to do our part. This is a marathon, not a sprint and we all have the power to influence for good.

Perhaps it begins with reading a couple of books about racial inequity in America and watching 13th or Just Mercy. If you have the financial wherewithal, donating to organizations that are fighting racial injustice and serving those on the front line is needed now more than ever. If you are a business owner, it may be taking a hard look at your hiring practices and who you surround yourself with. My good friend, Rachel Rodgers, wrote an excellent piece last year on how to create diversity within your online business.

The important thing is to do something and keep going. The protests will eventually come to an end, but the work must continue.

Actress and activist Viola Davis shared an important quote on her Instagram feed earlier this week. It read, “Some are posting on social media. Some are protesting in the streets. Some are donating silently. Some are educating themselves. Some are having tough conversations with friends and family. A revolution has many lanes – be kind to yourself and to others who are traveling in the same direction. Just keep your foot on the gas.”

Pedal to the metal, friend.
 

This is by no means presented as an exhaustive list of resources.