THIS IS NO SMALL TASK
Addressing the issue of racial justice in the United States is no small task. On our site you'll find content that references the decades long *systemic racism that has plagued our institutions and mindsets. A lot of this information might be new and alarming so we encourage you to take it one step at a time. We're glad you're here.
There are a few things we would like to mention before we invite you into this space and conversation:
Below are a few things you can do today to start your work and personal growth.
There are a few things we would like to mention before we invite you into this space and conversation:
- While you might be new to this movement, there are people who have been putting in long hours sacrificing their time, money, and bodies to progress this cause for years. Please be respectful of the work that has been done.
- Your Black friends, colleagues, and neighbors do not owe you an explanation. Do not put the burden on them to explain the racist system we were all born into.
- We are going to make mistakes. You are going to make mistakes. Please be gracious with yourself and us as we take on new information. It's okay to admit you were wrong.
Below are a few things you can do today to start your work and personal growth.
1. Stop saying "All Lives Matter."
Rachel E. Cargle writes about "Why You Need to Stop Saying 'All Lives Matter'" in this Harper Bazaar article.
Let me be clear: our stating that black lives matter doesn’t insinuate that other lives don’t. Of course all lives matter. That doesn’t even need to be said. But the fact that white people get so upset about the term black lives matter is proof that nothing can center the wellbeing and livelihoods of black bodies without white people assuming it is to their demise. |
2. Purchase a book from our "Where to Begin?" list.
The readings on this page are pulled from Tasha K's Anti-racism Resource Guide. Please take a moment to read the document's introduction before engaging with these readings. Please also consider financially supporting her work. The books listed on this page are from the "Suggested Pre-Reading" and "Starting Your Journey" sections of her guide. Head to our "Where to Begin?" page.
3. Register to vote.
Head to our Register to Vote page or go straight to Oregon's online registration.
4. Start talking about "it."
Start having uncomfortable conversations with your friends and family about race. We can't address these issues if we don't talk about these issues. Head to our Tools to Talk About Race page for some tips.
5. Think, listen, and research before you post.
Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook make it easy to quickly re-share posts. Take a moment to investigate who is posting and who their message serves.
6. Define terms.
You'll need a vocabulary to do this work. Go to our Define Terms page.
7. Understand what it means to be an "ally."
The term "ally" is talked about often in relation to the fight for racial justice. Take a moment to understand what being an "ally" means and what it looks like in your life. Head to our Allyship page for thoughts and opinions.
*"Systematic" has been changed to "systemic." It was brought to our attention that while these two words mean something similar, "systemic" is a more appropriate word to use in this context. Please see this article from mentalfloss.com for more information. We include this edit in hopes that we can help others avoid this mistake. (6/9/2020)