Stand Back: Guidelines for White People at a Black Lives Matter Protest
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Stand Back: Guidelines for White People at a Black Lives Matter Protest

Sometimes, standing back is the best way to offer support.

1124
Stand Back: Guidelines for White People at a Black Lives Matter Protest
Eloise Sherrid

If you, like me, are a white person who supports Black Lives Matter, it is important to do so in a way that does not detract from the black community or the movement. Here are some things to keep in mind as a white person at a Black Lives Matter protest.

1. This is not about us

Do you feel angry? Sad? Good. But you are feeling that for members of the black community, not for yourself. Facebook, Twitter, your blog is a great place to vocalize those feelings and support the black community that way; please consider adding links to essays and articles on the topic that were written by black writers.

As white people, a Black Lives Matter protest is not the place for us to share those feelings; our role at a protest is to support the black community through our presence, through witnessing their feelings and emotions.

2. If a newspaper reporter seeks you out for a comment, direct them to a protest leader

If a TV station correspondent shoves a microphone in your face while the camera operator hovers behind them, direct them to a protest leader. This is not difficult to do:

“I am here to support the Black Lives Matter movement. [Name] or [name] would be able to provide you with more information regarding this protest and the movement.”

Direct them to leaders even if they phrase their question in a way that does not mention race (e.g., “How do you feel about gun control?” instead of “Are you advocating for gun control to protect the black community?”). If their questions had nothing to do with race, they wouldn’t direct them towards protesters supporting Black Lives Matter.

3. On a similar note, do not lead chants

Instead, support chants led by black people when appropriate. “Black lives matter” is an appropriate chant for us white people to join in on; “my life matters” is not. When we chant “my life matters,” that is similar to using #AllLivesMatter: the system already acknowledges the value of our (white) lives, so we are only directing attention away from the protest’s message. Pay attention to the chants and, if there’s one you can’t join in on, be assured that your presence, and your conscientiousness towards giving black voices prominence, is what is expected of you.

4. When at a protest, do not antagonize police

By verbally or physically antagonizing police, you are risking the safety of the black people and other people of color at that protest.

Non-whites will be subject to harsher treatment if the police respond with violence; this is the exact thing you are there to protest, and you are helping no one by egging law enforcement on. Follow the tone set by the organizers.

5. Because you are following the tone set by the organizers, do not police black protesters who express anger

Their anger, and hatred (if present), is justified. If you feel uncomfortable with it, it is better to quietly duck out of the protest, march, or rally. By "quietly," I mean do not tell people why you're leaving. If the organizers take issue with the tone of a group of protesters, the organizers can consult them; it is not your job to do so.

You are also welcome to leave if you sense oncoming violence or retaliation from law enforcement. However, you should try to alert those around you (and the organizers, if you can) before you leave: "That group of police are donning riot gear," "The cops one block up have pepper spray out."

6. Take photos of the protest, not of yourself

Use your camera to document police presence, especially police interactions with protesters. Try to get the badge numbers and faces of officers in your camera’s view. Do not post a stream self-congratulatory selfies to Facebook; there are enough white saviors in the world, and we do not need to add to that movement. We need to support this movement.

This is an excellent way to support the movement: for the same reason we are safer when violence occurs, we are less likely to have our phones confiscated than protestors of color. Though you are within your rights to record police, they may ignore that and physically force your phone from you, so it is safer to upload these photos and videos as you go.

7. Lastly, follow basic protest guidelines

Wear weather-appropriate clothing; carry food, water, and money yourself; note important phone numbers by writing them on your body (in case your phone is confiscated). Be aware of your rights, as well as any state laws that may differ from federal ones.

If you have any questions regarding the guidelines of a specific protest or march, please contact the organizers of that protest.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

39677
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24252
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950233
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

129647
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments