Reflect

It is very appropriate and normal to have varying reactions to the current anti-Black racial discourse. Holding space for these varied emotions can feel confusing and difficult, particularly when the emotions of guilt, shame, sadness, or anger arise.

Prior to taking steps to further educate yourself, or even taking action against Anti-Black racism, it is helpful to make space and reflect on your internal experiences. Here are some resources that will provide some guidance or structure as you reflect.

• How Anti-Blackness Thrives in Latinx Communities (And What We Can Do About It) by Tina Vasquez
• Listen to Krista Tippett, host of the podcast On Being, talk with Resmaa Menakem, a trauma therapist, about Cultural Somatics and the importance of our bodies in processing trauma

Educate yourself

If you are in a place where all of the information (and there is an overwhelming amount of information out there) feels like a blur, or if you don’t know where to start in educating yourself, here are some great resources that can help you learn about what Anti-Black racism is, how your own NBPOC identity intersects with Anti-Black racism, and how to begin the work of dismantling Anti-Black racism in your own way.

• Learn from Trevor Noah’s explanation of the domino effect that led to the most recent protests and riots.
• Learn what a Racial Microaggressions are and the effects the very large effect they have on individuals.
• Learn from Dr. Ibram X. Kendi on How to be an Antiracist
• Learn from Vernā Myers on How to Overcome Your Biases

Take Action

Educating yourself and reflecting are only meaningful steps if they lead to action. When you are ready to do something, there are many ways you can take action against anti-Black racism. Below are just a few ideas about actions you can take.

As silence perpetuates anti-Blackness, taking action also includes having sometimes difficult conversations about race with others. Parents and caregivers can also take action by teaching and role-modeling anti-racism to children.

• If you choose to take action by protesting, make sure you are prepared with the right gear and safety precautions. It will also be important to understand your rights under the First Amendment as a protestor. Make sure to read through the ACLU’s published list of Protestor’s Rights.
• If you would like to take action by contacting your elected representatives, the ResistBot is a great way to quickly and easily text your sentiments to them.
• For those of you who have families and want to take action by educating your children, this is a great list of resources to help you have conversations about race with them.
• If you are interested in wanting to advocate for a safer policing system, this is an Advocacy Toolkit for Fair, Safe, and Effective Community Policing.

Finally, building and sustaining a movement that can end anti-Black racism and police brutality will take large numbers of people committed to making this change. Calling in family members and friends is work that you can do to build the movement, and it likely involves less risk to you than what Black people experience when they try to do this.

Spend time with people in your community who may only be starting to realize what is happening, acknowledge your own challenges and imperfections in engaging in anti-racism actions, and invite them to join this movement and be on the right side of history. Visit the Black Lives Matter Seattle Chapter website to learn about local press conferences, statements, events, and initiatives. Follow their social media channels to stay informed.