The term anti-racism comes with a lot of grace. It takes daily intentionality to be anti-racist, but because it is an active endeavor, it is a journey of growth. As I understand it, being anti-racist isn’t something you can as much do for show because acting anti-racist is just that — continual actions.
Here are a few examples of some positive, anti-racist actions:
•Educating oneself in the history of race in America and ongoing, discriminatory policies.
•Advocating for and voting for inclusive and restorative policies.
•Elevating melanated voices (isn’t that a beautiful and inclusive term?! Love it) and often deferring to them in humility out of esteem for their intelligence and experiences.
•Speaking out against injustice in the grocery store, at the kitchen table, at church, or in public spaces.
•Using one’s talents as well as finances for racial justice.
Being anti-racist explores every aspect of life, is conscious, and is a way of life rather than a one-time statement. It is based in humility and thus comes with both intentionality and grace.
It takes energy, but it’s a privilege that we can choose to exert that energy rather than be forced to exert it daily because of the color of our skin or texture of our hair.
As a side note, anti-racism not just a choice for white people. Racism has to do with power and can also cross ethnicities. Latinx folks can uplift Black people, and I’ve seen it! Asians can support Indigenous peoples, who are incredibly oppressed. White people can support Asians too!
We can all support each other. The one thing that can’t happen is for people to be racist towards white people, because we are the ones with power due to our race in America, even if we are lower class, GLBTQIA, or female. In terms of race, we have SO MUCH privilege.
How we use that and how we live our lives, not only when there are protests but also when the days are seemingly smooth, is what can make us anti-racist.
katelyn skye bennett 