What Is Anti-Racist
Have you ever noticed that your story often leads you to bridges, canyons, walls, or tables where other people’s stories and pain show up?
This week I have had the privilege of being led by my gracious friends of color. They have courageously and compassionately walked with me as I ask the question, “Am I a racist?”
Nadi Bolz-Weber, in her pastoral letter addressing racism, shares,
”Everyone gets to start somewhere. There’s so much to unlearn. I knew that White Supremacy was wrong, but what I lacked was a genuine curiosity about the ways in which it is all around me, baked into so many institutions and beliefs and practices in America. I knew that it is wrong to be racist, but what I did not understand was the way in which racist systems have harmed others while they have benefited me.” - Nadia Bolz-Weber.
Does this resonate with you? If so, where do we go from here? How do we become anti-racist?
First, it might be helpful to unpack the difference between being anti-racist and not racist. In his interview with Brene Brown, professor Ibram X. Kendi talks with tremendous wisdom and insight on how subversive and prevalent racism is, and how to become anti-racist.
“To grow up in America is to grow up and for racist ideas to be constantly rained on your head and you have no umbrella. And you don’t even know that you’re wet with those racist ideas.””
Listen to the podcast and learn about racial disparities, policy, and equality, and how to be antiracist, which is a groundbreaking approach to understanding uprooting racism and inequality in our society and in ourselves.
If you find yourself ready to dive into more resources may I suggest the following list curated by my friend, and writer Karina Allen.
1. 31 Diverse Books For Children
2. Be The Bridge: Equipping Resources for Racial Healing
3. What Lies Between Us: a 5 Week Anti-racism Educational Course
4. Donate to Black Lives Matter, NAACP or the George Floyd Memorial Fund
Friends! Let’s continue to listen and learn!
