How to help: a guide for white people - based on the words of Ivirlei Brookes
The latest protests, caused by the death of George Floyd, have sparked a lot of debates about racism and police powers especially in the United States. And also here in Germany, people couldn´t be more terrified about the situations, where black people had to endure brutal violence or were killed often just because they were supposed to be a threat. In my opinion we shouldn´t be living in a century, where the color of your skin is a source of direct racism, mobbing or death sentence. So please: Ask yourself what you can do to make a change, even if this means that you only make a friend thinking about this topic. Speak it out loud, use your voice, be suppportive, be an ally.
The following words are based on those, who were spoken by an incredible strong woman, using her voice to tell (especially white people), how to help. Follow her on instagram: ivirlei
A lot: Go deep, get messy. If you´re new to being an ally, start there - what kept you? What beliefs have you ignored? How have you benefited from white privilege? Note: This work can take years, so get started!
2. Get comfortable being uncomfortable!
Nervous about what friends will think about you speaking up as an ally? They aren´t your friends if they have a problem with you speaking up for what´s right.
3. Make it a part of who you are!
The more you make being an ally part of you and how you see the world, you will see injustice around you in ways you never have before.
4. Commit to being the vocal white friend!
Don´t quietly sit and accept racist/ignorant comments from strangers, friends, or family.
5. Raise anti racist kids!
Raise kids that aren´t passive when it comes to racism. lead by example daily.
6. It´s not enough to be sympathetic!
Be actice, speak out within your own circle. It is the job of white people to educate other white people. At work, create diverse hiring practices.