When you have a friend or family member who says: “We may be as racist as the day is long, but we good people, go to church and tithe.”
Wake up.
No, no you ain’t good people.
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Do better all you “good people” out there. And stop putting focus on the title of good people—and start BEING good people.
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Okay, Meredith. What are YOU doing? What can I do?
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✅ Learn. I’m educating myself EVERY day. There’s a lot of catching up to do for those of us (people of European descent) who have been asleep. (Like me.) We are way behind. Way. And our behindness? It has cost lives.
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✅ You can read, listen to podcasts, follow BIPOC (which means Black, Indigenous and People of Color) leaders and activists who have been doing the work for a LONG time. Just look around and if you don’t know start with these incredible leaders and then see where they lead you: @lisasharper @rachel.cargle @thewokecoach @ijeomaolou @latashamorrison @laylafsaad @tamikadmallory and please tag more (IG limits me)
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✅ Make a commitment to learn and change. We (people of European descent) haven’t been paying attention. And it’s cost lives!! Lives. It’s so late, but I have made a 30-day commitment to educating myself and then at the end of 30 days reupping that education in a way that is also tied with clear, forward, consistent action that I will take.
✅ Put your money where your mouth is. I am donating. Support authors and activists by buying their books, courses and events. Donate to BIPOC organizations that support equality and are (and have been) fighting for it: @naacp @aclu @votingwhileblack @freedomroad.us @colorofchange @beabridgebuilder and please tag any more.
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✅ Listen. Stop talking, stop crying, stop defending. BIPOC doesn’t need our apologies they need our actions. Listen. And you will see how you (yes, you – and me) have been and are part of the problem. When I just stopped and listened, holy frack, what I have learned.
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✅ Speak your mind where you stand and what you support. There is a RESPONSIBILITY as a human to show where you stand—unless you’re promoting hate, racism and white supremacy—openly or covertly. Covert examples are: “all lives matter” and “I have a black friend so I’m not racist.” If you don’t understand why this is not okay, then look and listen. It’s easy to understand and learn why. Stand up in support of BIPOC. Do it. Today.
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We (as people of European descent) WILL stumble, make mistakes, say the wrong things. But we can listen and learn and do better every day.
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We (as people of European descent) will NOT get this right at first and for a long time.
But for the love of god, let’s stop getting it wrong.