Allies In Action, By Rachel Papke

Community
0
0

Allies In Action

By Rachel Papke

For weeks I’ve been trying to write a heartfelt statement of solidarity in light of the most recent senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. They are the latest tragic manifestation of racism and injustices that have impacted Black communities for generations.

My heart breaks, the tears flow—emotions well over, repeat. Every time I put my pencil to paper, I get lost in jumbled thoughts and find that my words seem hollow, lacking.

There are a few reasons why, but one of them is glaring—I’m white. My voice and experiences are white. I am privileged because I am white. I didn’t have an easy life growing up, by any means, but I had a white upbringing. Racism, violence, trauma, fear, anger, sadness, weren’t (and aren’t) an ever-present burden that I carry in my soul and psyche every day because of the color of my skin.

A younger version of me thought that because I have black friends, dated black men, don’t hold racist beliefs, and know black lives matter, that I was doing enough. But, I was wrong. As I educated myself I came to understand it isn’t enough.

Please join me—join the Jordan Porco Foundation—in taking action to elevate the black voices in the community by reaffirming our roles as allies.

Being an ally right now, and as we move forward, means elevating and supporting black voices—voting, promoting black-owned businesses, artists, resources, protesting, donating, signing petitions, making phone calls to legislators, having difficult conversations, checking-in on your black friends and family, and more.

Being an ally means taking steps forward to help dismantle systemic racism and racial health disparities.

If you’re not sure where to start? Here is information I’ve compiled from black influencers, leaders, and organizations to help propel you forward in your actions to being allies in changing the current landscape.

Be aware. Educate yourself (and your children) with the help of these anti-racism resources.

Speak up. Help promote the black voice by signing petitions, calling legislators, donating, texting, and more. Get out and vote!

Reach out. Check-in on your black family and friends.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Got this text from one of my best friends this morning. I needed it. Tell the black people in your life you love them. Check in on them. I know a lot of white people want to know what they can do right now, but before you call or text your black friends and family asking them what you should be doing in the world or telling them how upset and overwhelmed you feel… ask us how we are doing first. Ask us how we are feeling. Ask us if we need anything. Doing this is how you prioritize our experience. Doing this is how you see us. I wrote to another friend of mine this morning “sometimes sadness just feels like sadness and sometimes sadness really hurts. This hurts” the pain of seeing videos and tweets with no regard for black life is gut wrenching. When we see George Floyd, we see our fathers, and or brothers, and our sons. We see our worst fears manifested. The heartache and trauma surrounds our every thought and breath. Check in on us. Remind us we are loved and supported. And thank you for reminding me I am loved this morning @iamderay . Love you too.

A post shared by cleo wade (@cleowade) on


Help someone. Connect with resources by and for black people.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Here is a listing of mental health resources and platforms for and by Black men that was provided by @letstalkbruh. Are there any other resources that you have found helpful? Add them to the comments below. #BlackMentalWellness ・・・ Repost from @letstalkbruh: Now more than ever we need to share and spread the valuable mental health resources in our community. This is not an exhaustive list by any means so use the comments section to drop any names we may have missed. Let’s take advantage of the folks doing the healing work in our communities. • Google doc with all these resources and more coming soon. • @jason__rosario @drjshopkins @basheawilliams @theblack_therapist @blackmensmile @blackmalementalhealth @healingwhileblack @blackmencrytoo @blkmenmeditate @theconfessproject @chriskminer @blacktherapistpodcast • #LetsTalkBruh #BlackMasculinity #MentalHealth

A post shared by Black Mental Wellness, Corp (@blackmentalwellness) on

 

 

To the black community, I stand with you – we stand with you – in solidarity, walk beside you, support you, and are listening to you—we are your allies in action.

If you need support now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or, text “STEVE” to 741-741 to get help 24/7 from the Crisis Text Line.  

The opinions expressed in this blog are personal, and not those of the Jordan Porco Foundation. The information in this blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as mental health advice from the individual author or the Jordan Porco Foundation. You should consult a mental health professional for advice regarding your individual situation.