The events of the last few weeks have called me to read, learn, and ask myself questions about some hard truths. With new awareness, I am embracing both humanity and humility because it’s more about doing what is right than about getting it exactly right. Below are some ideas for how you can support people of color now and in the future.

1.     Be mindful about not calling upon people of color for your education or growth experience – that’s not their job. Supporting your black colleagues and neighbors is holding yourself accountable for your anti-racist education. Check out the work of Robert L. Woodson, Dr. Robin DiAngelo, Dr. Eddie Moore. Support is a long-term investment in a shift towards racial justice in this country. Part of making things better is increasing our knowledge of racial inequalities.

2.     Check-in with your black and brown colleagues and neighbors to see how they are feeling now. Develop your listening and curiosity skills around race issues. Practice conversations of all kinds where your role is purely listening and learning, rather than sharing or reacting – expect to be challenged or uncomfortable with what you hear.

3.     Recognize that racism and other forms of bias are woven into our western culture and, therefore, will be present within all of us. Our work is to acknowledge their presence within ourselves so we can learn to transform them.

4.     Make a practice of noticing when stereotypes or cultural conditioning is getting in the way of your clearer vision. Be compassionate, humble, and open your heart.

5.     Look at your emotional discomfort around discussing these tough topics and how that discomfort can function in difficult conversations. Try to shift your perspective and move out of a privileged position into a call for support.

I am humbly learning beside you.

~Andrea