First off, I want to take a moment to talk about judgement. We, as people dedicated to creating change for black lives, cannot judge how people process, educate, and further change the way they think. Just because we are not seeing someone share on social media, does not mean they are not actively doing so in their personal lives. We also cannot assume that a person posting one thing to their instagram story and never heard of again is actually dedicated to being part of the solution to racial injustice. We’re seeing people accept this as a momentary social media challenge and moving on with their lives.
Keep in mind that the person who chooses to educate themselves and really impact change away from social media could be doing more than the person who posts one graphic and doesn’t think twice about it again. We need to be sensitive to what happens behind closed doors and woke enough to identify those who are sharing just because they feel like they have too. The work that will truly impact change happens inside ourselves. When we realize we are part of the problem, we can internally make active changes to how we think, speak, share, and communicate. It will be obvious as time goes by who has done the work and who has not.
However, if you simply posted a black square yesterday but continued to post everyday life to your stories, you are admitting you did not take the time to understand the initial purpose of the black square. The black square stood for silence in our own lives to allow information regarding black lives matter, causes to donate to, promotion of black creators, educators and voices to thrive, without our own bullshit getting in the way. We need to be aware that those who posted a square, but didn’t fully take the time to learn, may be the ones that need our focus. Maybe these are the minds that need to be changed. Maybe these are the people who think it’s more important to join in, but not do the work. Maybe these are people who exist in social (media) communities where information is not being outsourced. Maybe these are the people who aren’t being pushed to put themselves in anyone else’s shoes and therefor choose to remain comfortable. It is easy to post. It is hard to change.
In an attempt to create active change for black communities and fight against racial bias and for racial justice, we have created a daily checklist of questions to ask yourself everyday.
A CHECKLIST TO CHECK YOUR WHITE priviledge:
Am I in a place where I can donate? If yes, let those dollar bills fly girl. If no, can I take a minute to share a charity I’m passionate about with at least two friends and urge them to donate?
Let’s not forget that we are still in the middle of a global pandemic that has left millions of Americans without jobs and income to support themselves and their families. We need to be sensitive to peoples current situations and what they are dealing with in their own homes, while knowing there are plenty of ways to contribute that don’t involve money.
Did I learn today? Did I read a chapter of a book I purchased that will help me understand black lives better? If I do not have a book, am I reading articles and other information available that promotes black voices?
I am seeing that many books being promoted right now are quickly going out of stock online. Check in with local bookstores to see if they have any of the books being shared in stock.
If I don’t have access to books, am I looking for the voices of black people online?
This can be different everyday and doesn’t have to be direct education. Yesterday, I read a transcript of a conversation between veteran black baseball players written by Ken Rosenthal. The article, “A conversation: Retired African American MLB players on race, baseball, America” was facilitated by Doug Glanville, a former payer, current writer for The Athletic, and educator who teaches a class called, “Sport in Society” at Yale, The University of Pennsylvania, and The University of Connecticut. This article wasn’t a direct educational piece, but a way to understand the history of race and how it presents itself in sports, baseball specifically. I have heard horror stories of racist comments in clubhouses and felt inclined to understand the impact those comments and the underlying issue of racism in sports has affected African American players who were forced to be around it, not just in the clubhouse, but the communities they played in.
Latroy Hawkins, a 21 year veteran of the game, was part of the conversation. “Every city I played in, I always immersed myself into the police department just so they could see my face, get to know me and what type of person I am and understand that I am not a threat.”
This was something that struck a cord with me. A professional athlete going out of their way to introduce and make himself known in their local police department is something I’ll never have to do.. When my husband and I move to a new minor league city, he will never have to make himself known to local authorities. He will not be profiled based on the color of his skin. Forced to search his car if he gets pulled over. Scared for his life if he goes for a run at night. Scared that they will target his children simply because the color of their skin. He will simply be a husband, father, and baseball player. And that is our privilege. I urge any and all sports fans to read the article, it really opens your eyes to narratives that are silenced and neglected in sports. The article is currently unlocked and available for those who do not have a paying subscription to The Athletic.
Am I being conscious of sharing factual credited information? Am I doing the research to see where this information came from and looking to see who is following this source? We need to try to avoid getting into a rabbit hole of “seeing and sharing.” Just because something is out there, doesn’t mean it deserves our attention.
Have I had a conversation with another person today about privilege and how to combat privileged views? If yes, you’re doing amazing sweetie! If no, can I take a moment to send a text or call to further the conversation of white privilege and open someone’s mind.
Am I comfortable confronting those with opposing views yet? If yes, do your thing girl – go crazy! If no, can I spend more time finding resources that will teach me how to approach possible uncomfortable conversations while making an effort to actual have them?
If I’m being honest, this is hard for me right now, and probably many others. I personally find myself stuck in a relatable rut of, “do I say something or do I keep my mouth shut?” Even if you enter the conversation fully informed and equipped to handle any and all backlash, it’s still scary to simply start. What I’ve learned so far is that if you’re unsure if it’s worth the energy, you’ll understand pretty quickly who is willing to open their minds and who is not. Move on from those who seem to want to keep their minds closed and deal with them later, if at all. Hope that the constant efforts we are making will make them uncomfortable enough to do the work on their own.
Have I checked on my mental health? If yes, you do it all. She does it all. If not, please take a moment to remind yourself to eat, to get out of the house, or get a workout in. Try to put down your phone for a while and do something that makes you happy. Remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint. It’s important for us to not burn out too quick. If you’re in it for the long haul, continue to prioritize your mental health. For me, I am a mother of a little one and have found myself distracted the past few days. It is important for me to not only be present with my daughter, but to teach her the importance of long-term devotion to causes that matter. To do that, we need to remember to take a moment and be present.
Am I being respectful of my black friends and neighbors? Am I focused on making change for them and not for myself? Am I being selfless in the pursuit of justice? Am I promoting the voices, creative work, and resources straight from the mouths of the ones being oppressed? Am I checking in on my black friends and peers but not overwhelming them with my problems? Am I being respectful of their emotions and avoiding conversations that lead to racial gaslighting? Am I responding with kindness when I’m corrected by those of color? Am I open to being confronted if I am using the wrong terms or spreading the wrong information?
Have I taken the time to acknowledge my privilege? Am I aware of my white privilege in everyday life? Can I point out specific instances in which I benefited from the color of my skin?
Now is the time to give our attention to black educators who have been in this fight for way longer than we are. Now is the time to purchase from black owned businesses, if we can. Now is the time to amplify their voices, and cut back on own our. Now is the time do to the freaking work. Every day .
These are things that start at home and have nothing to do with social media. It’s important to remember it really does start at home. It should have started years and years ago, but it didn’t, so we’re starting here and now.
If you’re wondering how to stay committed, we just made it easy for you. This is a non-exhaustive, non-invasive checklist. It simply allows us to allot time out of our days to open our minds and continue to do the work while allowing us to be human and take care of ourselves It promotes sensitivity, action, and change. Feel free to share with your friends who may need a little help making this a long-term effort.
babeswhoball.com 