Anti-Racism: A Brief Guide for People Who are White

There is so very much we can and should be doing in this moment of increased awareness and momentum towards racial justice. Some days it can feel empowering to look down the many avenues we have to contribute to social change. Other days, we grieve and mourn and are just too exhausted and too overwhelmed by the weight of the world to feel hopeful about that weight ever really lifting. Wherever you are today, we are with you and want to offer these resources to help you on your journey.

Educate Yourself

• Antiracist Reading List: Compiled by Ibram X. Kendi, this list contains books mostly by Black scholars and thinkers that address a wide variety of topics across the spectrum of racism in American society.
• Understanding And Dismantling Racism: A Booklist For White Readers: This thorough booklist includes resources for dismantling the harmful structures of racial division that White people are uniquely positioned to break down.
• Toolkit for “What is White Privilege, Anyway?”: Consider using toolkits and curricula to educate yourself and those around you — it takes time, energy, and commitment, but it’s the only way to lasting change.
• Take an Implicit Bias Test
• “Not Racist” vs. Anti-racism: Learn the difference
• Covert vs. Overt White Supremacy

Do the Work

• Get involved with organizations like Showing Up for Racial Justice who organize White people into action in coordination with people-of-color-led movements
• Minimize your voice and opinions and amplify the voices of people of color: Yes, your voice needs to be heard, especially by White people who might (unfortunately) receive messages best from other people who are White. But also use your social media platforms to share artwork, music, advice, and protest messages by Black folks and other people of color. And always give credit where credit is due.
• Consider these tips to becoming an ally and constantly re-evaluate where you stand in that process. Remember, it’s not “one and done” — being an ally is a lifelong process.
• Dealing with racism in your family’s past

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

• Patronize Black-owned businesses and organizations in your community and around the country
• Find a list of places to donate locally here
• If you can, pay Black scholars & educators for their work, and do everything you can to answer questions on your own by reading, Googling, and asking other people who are White rather than putting the burden on people of color to educate you.

This is, of course, an incomplete list. Taking all these steps will not make you a perfect ally and will not solve racism. But digging deep, getting involved, educating yourself, and using your resources to uplift the Black community is one way to start. Let us know about your experience and what you’ve learned by engaging in these tasks!