My thoughts on undoing racism
I am not an expert on social justice and racism.
I am a white woman, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a teacher whose heart is breaking as I witness deadly racial inequities, oppression, and violence.
Two years ago, I became aware of something called ‘white privilege.’
If you’re white, I can imagine these words may make you bristle. They made me shudder.
I instantly felt the sting of shame and guilt for having been born with 'unearned privilege' and simultaneously defensive because I've worked hard to make my way through life, and in my heart, I don't harbor racist thoughts. The combination of shame, guilt, and defensiveness paralyzed me (I later learned that this is called "white fragility").
I feel called to share what I've been learning with you in case your heart is breaking… and in case you're feeling paralyzed and don't know what to do.
Out of Paralysis
Two women in my dance community introduced me to an organization in Austin called Undoing White Supremacy Austin (UWSA). This organization has been guiding me, providing reliable information, opening my eyes and mind, and offering many ways for me to get involved in undoing racism and supporting social justice.
Because of their "Unlearning Circles," I've been able to look at my white privilege and white fragility, and I've been honored to hear life experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in my community.
I've also been able to take actions such as speaking at City Hall and delivering meals to mamas of color who are homebound with newborns during the pandemic.
Even if you don't live in Austin, you could receive their informative emails, participate in Unlearning Circles, and apply the information in your community. Visit their website by clicking here.
Here's their mission statement:
Our group works within multiracial communities to end personal, structural, and cultural racism and build a racially just Austin. We are a group of people of European descent, whose varying ethnic histories have been forged into one collective "white" identity to perpetuate racism. We seek to undo racism in many ways, including educating ourselves on racial oppression, mobilizing other people of European descent to dismantle white supremacy, and supporting social justice organizing led by people of color communities, including indigenous people.
I'd also like to share two books that have helped me immensely.
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad
May we all create the change the world needs by creating the change within ourselves.
I’m walking beside you on this journey,
Deb