What to Do For Black People (Always).
It’s Black History Month 2022! We all know when this month comes around, there is a lot of attention, posting and valuable information shared to showcase the amazing achievements of black people as well as racism and white supremacy. With this extra attention, here’s how you can take advantage of that and show up for black people.
Speak Up.
The biggest thing you need to, must do is speak up. Black people are constantly silenced, at a minimum. Every day. Do not be a silencer. Do not be silent. Be an advocate. A vocal advocate. Your voice of power is the one who will be listened to. It shouldn’t be that way. But it is. Use the power. That’s the way to acknowledge your privilege and use it to confront racism.
Building on the Attention
Like I said, there are more people looking to learn during Black History Month. While this is performative and/or temporary, it is still a time to educate. Educate on what you know. And take the time to show the person why it’s important to continue after this month. Black people are here, are present, are struggling, are fighting for their safety every day. We cannot just give them 28 days. They need every single minute of every hour of every year to become equal members of society.
Accountability Partner
Find someone who will hold you accountable, and you them. Pick tasks you know you can do, tell someone, and develop a system for getting it done. It needs to be something that involves action. You can read or watch something, but then take action next. Donate, call a political figure, lobby, lead a presentation, a discussion. But it needs to be more than just self-education. This is part of the work too, but it is not enough.
Learn and Teach About New Black Figures and Positive Work By Black People
I learned from at @havingoursay on instagram that kids “don’t want to hear about struggle, oppression, and enslavement all Black History Month. Black Heritage is not synonymous with struggle and oppression… read books and adopt lessons on Black musicians, inventors, poets, writers and artists this year.” Here’s some people and organizations you can learn about today.
A Call to Men – The next generation of manhood
Success Stories Program | Feminist Workshops for At-Risk People
Representative Ayanna Pressley | Representing the 7th District of Massachusetts (house.gov)
Kizzmekia S. Corbett, Ph.D. | ASM.org- Key Sceintist Behind the Covid-19 Vaccine
@the_juvenileforensic_slp | Linktree
Ianessa Humbert– SLP
These are just a few of MANY steps you can and must take to be anti-racist and show up for black people. I have not even scratched the surface of black people to talk about, or ways we have to address our racism. But hopefully this is a start.
