What I Wish My White Colleagues Knew
White guilt is not the point. I hope that calling yourself an ally means that you will shoulder some of my anxiety and my pain. Your guilt/white guilt means nothing without action.
When Black children are shot by police, I am traumatized. Not only because it could have been one of our students, but also because it could have been my dad, cousin, nephew, sister, or my own child. It also could have easily been me.
I need you to be the one who “always makes it about race.” White supremacy has given you a voice in society and even if it’s unearned, I beg you to use your privilege to call out every single person, policy, and position that unfairly disadvantages Black and Brown students.
Sometimes that person is you and you need to learn to accept that criticism with grace. "White supremacy is, in many ways, the water that the Western world swims in.” -Rev. Canon Broderick Greer. White supremacy is everywhere and you are not an exception. There is no such thing as a perfect ally.
Your feelings of discomfort around race and racism are for you and your white folks. Find some white folks who can help you do better.
It doesn’t matter your content: Black folks have contributed greatly to this nation and this world. Put in the extra work to find the truth about what we’ve given to the world and teach the truth to your students.
Incorporate stories of Black love and Black joy. Oppression is not our only story. It is not even our most important story.
I am not the friend you talk with about race unless I’ve specifically told you otherwise. Living in my skin means I know. I already know and I cannot process with you how to go about being a better, more aware version of yourself. There are whole professionals who specialize in this so if it’s important and you’re able, invest your money in learning.
Loving Black students is not the same as teaching Black students. Read it again.
I’m a whole human and your Black students are whole humans. Act accordingly.
