Resources for the Commitment to Anti-Racism
Like many of you, we are feeling deep grief about the murder of George Floyd. Mr. Floyd’s murder is more evidence of systemic oppression of people of color. We have struggled with what to say, as right now it seems like a good time for white people to talk less and listen more, and to amplify the voices of others. We have had the microphone for a long time.
That being said, we know it is vital to do the work to be an ally. We wanted to share a list of ideas to make a long-term commitment to being part of the change. It is not enough to not be racist. We are committed to being part of the anti-racist movement.
Here is just a short list of ideas of actionable steps to take. Ultimately it is many things, that you and me, commit to continuing that will create long-term change.
Also note that some of these things may be inaccessible to you at this point in time due to COVID-19. That being said, there are many alternative steps that are possible for you take and start now.
Educate yourself (and your children) about systemic racism and white privilege
Educate yourself on the history of systemic racism, oppression, and generational trauma by reading books and watching educational videos/documentaries. Better yet? Read these books with a small group and have discussions afterward on how you can commit to long-term changes. Some books and articles Bryana and Amanda recommend can be found below:
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Bridges out of Poverty by Terie Dreussi Smith and Ruby K Payne
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
Why I’m no Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni-Eddo-Lodge
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh
Do not expect people of color to educate you - put in the time and work for yourself.
Read children’s books to your kids with diverse characters and backgrounds. Here is a great list to get you started.
Advocate for POC in the workplace
If you are in a position to hire others, work on hiring and promoting POC (people of color).
Talk to your boss about (or maybe you are the boss) distributing training and educational materials on the topic as it relates to your workplace.
Gather a resource list for your co-workers to educate themselves.
Build bridges into Communities of Color
Become a mentor (!!!!) - a life changing experience
I.e. Mentor North, Kinship Partners (North Central MN), Big Brothers Big Sisters
There are huge wait lists of kids waiting to be matched. A large percentage of mentees are kids of color.
Mentor North continues to match mentors and mentees at this time!
Volunteer to read with kids at a local school
Volunteer through local libraries to become part of tutoring opportunities
If you serve on a Board of Directors, or work in an organization that has a Board of Directors, advocate for diversity on the Board
Financially support organizations actively doing this work
Use your dollars and your vote to support CHANGE
Donate to organizations promoting this work.
Donate to organizations and churches getting basic need essentials to those devastated in the cities.
A few options include:
So many more here: How to Give Back to Your Besieged Community
VOTE for leaders who are committed to change. Better yet, actively help get those leaders elected!
amplify the voices of others
Follow the accounts of leaders in this call for change and amplify their voices. Some of our favorites include:
@roxanegay74
@akilahh
@blacknationapp
@rachel.cargle
@shiftingtheculture
@violadavis
@blackvisioncollective
Don’t expect kudos, don’t avoid discomfort, and don’t give up
Don’t expect recognition or kudos for your work.
Don’t avoid discomfort - lean into it and unpack it.
Consider Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and how that impacts disadvantaged communities and your efforts to help.
Keep the conversation going. While important, posting to social media is something that costs you absolutely nothing. Make long-term commitments to building bridges.
Journal Questions
Do you feel a huge sense of disruption, chaos, fear, anxiety, danger, loss of control? Is this a new and sudden feeling?
Consider the fact that for some, a similar feeling is 24/7 with no relief or end in sight. It may have always been this way, and they have no reason to believe it will/could improve. What does that mean to/for you?
Lastly, we are trying to move forward amidst a global pandemic, economic crisis, and a much needed spotlight on white privilege and systemic racism. We are hosting a 200 hour YTT this year. As a team, we are discussing how we can be more committed to anti-racism in our professional capacities. We know it is up to each of us to take long-term steps to advocate for change within our spheres of influence. A few ideas we have include:
A YTT book club to read and discuss some of the resources listed above
Requesting all YTT trainees to find ways to offer yoga classes to underserved communities as part of their graduation requirements
Education on diversity, inclusivity, outreach is embedded into our YTT curriculum
We offer scholarships to our retreats and plan to continue and expand those opportunities
A lifelong commitment to learning, self-study, advocacy, and change
Do you have ideas on how we can do more? Please email them to us at hello@borealblissyogaretreats.com.
P.S. Our summer zoom yoga series kicks off Thursday at 7am.
Amanda is hosting the first session. She’ll be talking about the science of stress relief after a 50 minute power flow. Email us at hello@borealblissyogaretreats.com for the link. Class is donation based and this week all donations will go to Duluth NAACP.
