25 Challenges for White People
What can white people do to eliminate racism and create a more equitable society for everyone? You can educate yourself by using the available systems and resources about how to stop racism. Here is “25 Challenges for White People” to become more aware of systemic racism in our country. The point is for you as a white person to choose a challenge that makes you step out of your comfort zone. Persons of color have to live in discomfort and endure the trauma of racism every day. White people must pick up the baton and learn to be uncomfortable as you move to eliminate racism. Saying you are not a racist does not mean you are an anti racist. Step out of your comfort zone: conquer new challenges on this list.
- Join the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice – there is a lot of great work going on locally. Join the group’s Facebook page for more information.
- Smile at, look in the eye and greet persons of color (POC) in the community so they know they are no longer invisible to the white community.
- Stop using the N word and do not allow it to be used in your presence. Educate people on how hurtful this derogatory term is to black people. If you need the language to explain it to others check out this video with Ta-Nehisi Coates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO15S3WC9pg
- Get to know a person of the black race personally. Go out to lunch or dinner with them. Share a meal, invite them to your house or have a day’s outing.
- When you hear someone say “all lives matter” tell them white lives have always mattered. Black people have been shown repeatedly that their lives don’t matter. We need to show people of color that their lives DO matter.
- Acknowledge there is a reason for Black Anger! Blacks have been forced to an oppressed system for over 400 years through slavery, Jim Crow and on to discrimination which has evolved into systemic racism…blacks are usually forced to lower education systems, low menial jobs, low pay, substandard housing, unequal health care, unfair criminal system and police brutality/profiling.
- Listen without ego and defensiveness to people of color. Truly listen. Don’t scroll past articles written by people of color.
- Find out how slavery, the Civil War, and the Jim Crow era are being taught in your local school. Advocate that history is taught correctly and certain parts are not skipped over or barely mentioned. Advocate that many voices be used in the study of history. Is the school teaching about post-Civil War convict leasing, the parent to our current mass incarceration system? Talking about slavery alone, is your school showing images such as Gordon’s scourged back, a slave ship hold, and an enslaved nurse holding her young master? Are explorers, scientists, politicians, etc who are POC discussed? Are male and female authors who are POC on reading lists? Are Japanese internment camps being discussed? Is history explained correctly in history books?
- Buy Children’s books that show black people as heroes and the main characters. Donate them to public and private schools.
- Work on ensuring that black educators are hired. All children, especially black children benefit with an inclusive staff.
- Post the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice Pledge (SACRJ) on your social media page to show your white family and friends that you stand for racial justice
- Do the work of self-education to become actively anti-racist. Don’t treat people of color as your anti-racism educators.
- Read at least 1 book on the impact of racism. Start a book club with a mixed group to allow for more conversation and a better understanding. ( see list below).
- Watch at least 5 videos or podcasts that address racism ( see list below)
- Watch at least 2 movies that address racism ( see list below)
- Attend an anti racism training: https://www.pisab.org/
- Share what you are learning with others in your life and on social media.
- Attend a black church service (black people are very accepting of other races.)
- Take a knee at an event when the Star Spangled Banner is played. Taking a knee does not mean you are not a patriot but instead a way to remind everyone that all members of our society do not have equal rights.
- Encourage your child to get involved in social action groups such as Students Talking About Race. Future generations will have the biggest impact on systemic racism. Contact info: starchestertown@ gmail.com
- Seek out a diverse group of friends for your kids and for you. Practice real friendship and intimacy by listening when POC talk about their experiences and their perspectives. They’re speaking about their pain
- Admit out loud to yourself and your white family and friends that racism exists and challenge them to do something on this list to become more educated.
- Directly support black-owned businesses and black-led organizations.
- Be assertive about challenging racism in your community or workplace.
- Get comfortable with discomfort, in yourself, your family, your community and your workplace.