The Show Must Be Paused

I originally had a different post intended for this month, but I think this topic is far more relevant and important.

Black lives matter. No echo of all lives matter needed. Just this: black lives matter.

(If that doesn't resonant as true or makes you feel uncomfortable, try reading this.)

I think recent events have highlighted for me that it's not enough just to be non-racist. To change the system we all need to do our part to actively be an ally. The active part is something I will admit to not having done well at in the past. So one of the first steps I'm working on, highlighted by this week's #blackouttuesday, is listening; amplifying the voices of the BIPOC community and muting the voices of the privileged who have had the platform for far too long. Privilege is a podium and it's time to hand over the microphone.

With that in mind, here are a few ideas of ways to educate, ally, and amplify:

1. Listen to a podcast. Try checking out #TellBlackStories, About Race, Still Processing, or Code Switch.
2. Read a book. Educational titles to consider are Black Feminist Thought, The New Jim Crow, White Fragility, or How to Be an Antiracist.
3. Watch a movie. Pertinent choices include The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 13th, or Freedom Riders.
4. Join a study group on racism. One group is being hosted by Daybreaker and the group will be reading through the book mentioned above, How to Be an Antiracist. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 9th at 8:30pm ET. Sign up here. 
5. Learn from this classic essay on white privilege by Peggy McIntosh.
6. Follow a BIPOC thought leader or activist on social media. Some groups to add to your feed include the NAACP, Equal Justice Initiative, Antiracism Center, and Color of Change.
7. View a TEDx talk on privilege and compassion.
8. Get even more ideas on what you can do from this checklist.

#mutedandlistening