I can only hope that we, as a country, are outraged and horrified by this week's events in Louisiana and Minnesota. Once again, Black Lives Matter is all over our timelines and newsfeeds, as it should be. As a white woman, I feel like sometimes it isn't my place to speak in outrage on behalf of the black community, but after reading about being a supportive ally, and talking to my black friends and coworkers, I realize that white support is wanted. It's needed. We need to be a part of this conversation, and we need to speak out against racism. But we also need to realize it's not our show. It's not for us, our fellow white people. So here are some ways that I've learned from friends, loved ones, and existing resources on how to stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter without talking over them.
Listen.
This is the biggest thing that my friend told me when I asked where white people could join in on Black Lives Matter. His thoughts were that we should promote conversation on the movement, but be sure to do it in a way that empowers black people. Listen rather than talking over them. Sure, we can be angry and disgusted at the violence against black people, but we can never feel the same way. We can't understand on the same level, so the best thing we can do is listen. While we should speak out against hate whenever possible, we must keep respect for the movement and lift up the black community. Let them have their voices.
Educate yourself.
This is so important to highlight. While Black Lives Matter can be a tricky place for white people to feel comfortable discussing, we need to acknowledge that it is not the responsibility of our black neighbors to educate us on racism, and it really isn't their job to be inclusive simply in the name of accommodating me or other white people. By all means, ask questions. Discuss it with people who look like you and do not look like you. But read the articles yourself, too.
Think before you speak.
Another important one: Political correctness does matter when talking about race, and many times, more so than being politically correct, what really matters is common sense. Saying something like "color doesn't matter" is a load of bull, and we all know it. That's only adding to the problem and denying that it's there. Call out racist jokes and racism as you see it. Be an active bystander. When we say that race doesn't matter, or that we are "colorblind," it is a lie and it inadvertently invalidates the black culture, history, and oppression that we cannot erase.
Our silence is louder.
Lions get poached, and alligators attack a toddler, kids fall into gorilla cages, and we are heartbroken and sad; we have to voice it all over social media. And that's fine, that's great. But innocent black people are being gunned down and treated inhumanely every day, and we say nothing? People notice. Our silence speaks. Read of these tragedies. Say their names. Talk about it. Donate your time, energy, money, words. Whatever you can. Care about it. Recognize that we have the privilege of being treated with respect in almost every situation, and that this isn't right. Stop denying that there is a problem, and offer support for our black neighbors.
Being a good supporter, ally, and comrade to the movement is difficult, but it is so important. As a country, we must take a stand united. #BlackLivesMatter is such an important movement, but we must remember that it is not for us, and it is not about us. This is not our show. We do not run it, but we must support it and endorse it.
