This is an astounding list (that doesn’t even scratch the surface) of names of our black brothers and sisters that are victims of violence, police brutality, and underrepresentation from the media. There are children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, wives and husbands, beloved family members in this list. By not speaking their names, we are continuing the cycle of violence and inequality. #whitesilenceisviolence

Instead of sitting on our hands and not doing anything, LET’S TAKE ACTION. There are many things that we can do to effectuate change. I myself am often guilty of feeling pushed to do something, and then not doing anything. Just because a situation doesn’t affect you, doesn’t mean we can turn a blind eye. Inaction can be just as harmful as action.

I’ve collected a group of resources for ideas of ways we can call for change. I’ve also had the help of my incredible friend, Rhiannon McDaniel (@thefammcd), who wrote up a letter template for all of us to use to address our local government and police agencies with our concerns and demands for change. Here is a list of things we can do to take our rage and energy around the situation and channel it into a useful outlet that can be used for good:

Speak up when people say or do racist things, no matter who said it or what context it was in.
- It can be really scary to stand up to people, especially if they are your family or friends. But it is essential that we begin to break down outdated, harmful, life-threatening ideals that were accepted in the past. Oftentimes, people don’t even realize what they’re saying, and a gentle reminder of “That’s not okay.” can be something that really wakes someone up. You can say things like:
  - ‘What you said before hasn’t been sitting well with me and I want to talk to you about it’,
  - “I feel like that’s an inappropriate way to address that person.”
  - “I may have misunderstood your intentions, but that came across pretty disrespectful to me. Could you clarify what you mean?”
  - You can read more about how to handle the situation here.
Write to your local government mayors, representatives, police forces, etc.
- You can use this template (Credit goes to @themadcatt3r and @erin.drum) as a starting point if you aren’t quite sure of what to say/where to begin.
Write to government mayors, representatives, police forces, etc. in locations where racist acts are being committed and tolerated.
- You can use this template (Credit goes to @themadcatt3r and @erin.drum) as a starting point if you aren’t quite sure of what to say/where to begin.
Accept the fact that because we aren’t that far away from a time when this type of behavior was fully tolerated that you very well may do things you’ve watched your circle of influence do that come across as racist. Be willing to change!
- The fact is, as of 2020, we are only 155 years out from the time that slavery was abolished. That means that many of our grandparents and great grandparents were alive during a time where racism was generally accepted. Just because a law changes, does not mean that people automatically change their ideals and morals along with it.
Visit https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234 and get some more ideas. These ideas can serve everyone, not just white people.
- I have struggled a lot with knowing how to effectuate change as a white woman that inherently is a benefactor of white privilege. My goal in sharing this article is simply to help others that may have the same desires as me to find ways to stand with our black brothers and sisters and support them in this movement. We can lift them up and be strong voices alongside theirs to make these changes happen as quickly as possible.
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