1st Anti Racist Club meeting

We had our first meeting of our Anti-racist club last night.   We took the month to educate our selves on what's happening in the world and understanding systemic racism.  Our assignment was to watch the movie "Just Mercy" so we could talk about it.  

We got on zoom and discussed it.  The movie is a good catalyst to see the issues in our society that we with white privilege aren't' even aware of.  We don't like injustice and it's hard to watch this movie at times.  It seems so obvious that the judge and the system and the people surrounding this man on death row for a murder he didn't commit are corrupt and racist.  It was interesting to note this is a true story and the lawyer has gotten over 130 wrongfully convicted men off of death row.    We discussed what we value more  --human life and dignity  or $ and power?

Some of our favorite quotes from the movie are:

"I don't need people to like me, as long as I'm doing what I'm supposed to do."

"We all need justice.  We all need mercy.  And perhaps we all need some measure of unmerited grace."

We talked about:

1.  Seek to understand then to be understood.  We need to talk to the "other " side and try to see and understand where they are coming from, then maybe they will hear us out as well.  This is where curiosity comes into play.  Listen -- don't be rehearsing what going to say back.  

2.  Need to work for Justice for everyone.  How to do that?  Who do we vote for?

3.  It's helpful to define terms like racism when speaking to someone so can be on the same page.  We are all born into a systemically racist society whether we acknowledge it or not.  (Side note - the definition for racism in the dictionary is now being changed to include systemic racism and not just racism is prejudice against another skin color.... )

4. Speak up and then have your own back.  Don't worry if going to offend.  If you are asking for change you will offend someone and that's okay.  Be compassionate to yourself and others.

5.  Relationships don't need to be sacrificed as we move through this.  Some social media relationships you can let go- but there are family members and friends who don't agree with us..that's okay.  We can recognize that and say... "we don't see this the same and I love you."  This one topic is only a part of the relationship.  

6. What to do if hear, read racist comments.  Call it out--  say "I don't get it -what do you mean?" Then  it's interesting to see what the person explains.    Point out White privilege so people start thinking about it and understanding if just want things to get back to normal...that's White privilege. 

7. Gratitude is useful.  Don't get filled with hate...move into love.  Love our privilege and WANT to extend it to all...so all can participate...this is the point of equality.

 

We decided... there is no such thing as being a silent ally... whether we are talking Race of LGBTQ.  Allyship means using our centered, privileged voice for the dignity and equality of disenfranchised people.  Whose backs do we have?  THEIRS. EVERY SINGLE TIME.  It's tiring being marginalized-- they need us, not as Saviors...but as liberators, because we  (the white hetero majority) are who pushed them down in the first place. 

We must be done protecting the fragile feelings and sensibilities of those who "aren't ready" for change, because our People of Color and LGBTQ need change now.

Where do we use our voices?  Mostly inside our own lives.  On our social feed. With our parents and families and siblings.  In our jobs and communities.  To our bosses and employees.  It's time.  We can do this.  We need to protect the marginalized.  We can raise our voices, use our power and call for equality.  

Looking forward to July.