Oof. It feels off to say, “It’s been a heavy week,” because I’m well aware that the heaviness that some of us are experiencing freshly is a present and everyday occurrence for many others.
First and most importantly: if you’re a person of colour, in particular one of the black, brown and indigenous folx* in this community, for whom the last week has been especially painful, I am so, so sorry. I cannot begin to imagine what it has been like for you, but I hold you in my heart while also committing to do the anti-racism work that is my responsibility. Most of this email is directed at the white folx in this community, if you don’t want to read it but you’d like something else to read, here’s a LOVELY piece in GQ about Eric Thomas, motivational coach for NBA players and millions more (and a nice antidote to T**y Ro**ns): https://www.gq.com/story/eric-thomas-life-coach-pr…
I had this whole idea that today, I was going to tell you about how I’m learning to fight on the internet (cliff notes: less yelling my opinions through a megaphone just so I can pat myself on the back for ‘fighting racism,’ more making small attempts to make people feel heard so that they’re more open to listening when I calmly explain why their argument doesn’t work)(I appreciate that this is NOT the most important work to engage in, but if I’m going to find myself dragged into it sometimes anyway, it’s a better way).
But, honestly, doing anything other than amplifying black voices and suggesting action you can take feels crappy right now. So here are some quickfire links, in case you’re reading this as a white person who wants to do better but doesn’t really know how to start:
1) Black folx on Instagram who are saying lots of smart things I need to listen to
@laylafsaad
@rachel.cargle
@munroebergdorf
@nowhitesaviors
@theconsciouskid
If you’re in the online coaching/self-development world and you haven’t yet watched Rachel Rodgers’ IGTV episode, it’s all most people I know are talking about (and rightfully so). Find it here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CA1Ez5qHL6o/?utm_sour…
Also follow (and, if you’re able to, hire) @trudilebron. She’s my equity and diversity coach and worth every penny. Coaching sessions with her are the place where I can ask all my stupidest, most ignorant questions without fear of being shamed for them, so I actually ask them and get answers.
She recently ran a workshop for white coaches on how to show up and serve in times like these (slash ALL TIMES) that you can hear here:
https://www.trudilebron.com/emergencyworkshop
You can (and should if you’re able!) apply to work with her, here:
https://www.trudilebron.com/apply
And she has an excellent Facebook group you can join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/trudilebron
2) Movies to watch, articles to peruse, books to read, podcasts to listen to https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SG… This is a great resource that’s been posted by a number of my friends. My hot tip is to pick a couple and then close and come back to it. If you get overwhelmed and shut down, you’re not going to be able to help anyone.
I’m not very good at reading non-fiction — I have a small person at home and very little opportunity to read anything, and my brain thinks all non-fiction is HOMEWORK and therefore TO BE AVOIDED. But I just started Ijeoma Oluo’s “So You Want to Talk About Race” and I’m racing through it. It’s a great starting point if this is all somewhat new to you.
3) Some small ideas on where to start
A while back I wrote a blog post called “Black Lives Matter: What I have learned about what I should be doing” with some suggestions for things we need to be doing. You can find it at yesyesmarsha.com/blm.
4) If you don’t have any money to donate
Please click on this video by Zoe Amira and leave all the ads running (and switch adblocker off if you have it)
All revenue from the ads goes to associations that offer protester bail funds, help pay for family funerals, and advocacy. She also lists a bunch of petitions you can sign. (h/t Sofie Hagen)
5) If you do have money to donate
USA: Black Lives Matter US
Canada: Black Lives Matter Canada
UK: Black Lives Matter UK
Australia: Bridging The Gap Foundation for Indigenous Health and Education
If you’re elsewhere, google black lives matter [name of place] donate and see what shows up.
6) If you have just 5 mins to take action, take action
Call your local representative and ask what they’re doing to protect black and brown lives. If you need more specific ideas, you can find a list of local Showing Up For Racial Justice chapters here.
If you’re in Canada, here’s an instagram post (which you can read even if you’re not on instagram) by @stuffbyjustine where she literally gives you the phone numbers and a script (I used it yesterday)
I get that this feels exhausting and overwhelming. And that’s not enough of an excuse not to do something. Even just one piece of action is better than no pieces of action. If you’re really nervous to start, try just picking a movie or podcast off that list I mentioned — here.
Hugging you from here,
xx (Yes Yes) Marsha
*if you’re reading that, thinking, “Why the X in folx?” it’s my way of saying “gender variant people are part of my community. Also if you are one, hello! I see you!”
Photo by Obi Onyeador
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