The enthusiasm and fervor around Black Lives Matter in May and June left us hopeful but skeptical. We do anti-racism work full time, but we could never have imagined that when we started Kinswomen that we would receive such a swell of engagement in this work. We were hopeful that we were moving quickly towards long-awaited change. We were also skeptical as to whether everyone who felt ‘awakened’ would continue to stay engaged and take action.
Now it’s September, and even though we’re only a few months from George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor’s murders, and Black Americans continue to face daily and systemic injustice, we’ve seen the initial attention and commitment to anti-racism wane. The social media posts demanding justice have thinned, the marches have died down, and it might seem like everything is fine (…if you’re white.) We’ve seen less outreach about doing DEI training for companies and individuals–it’s as if the long-standing issues have been quickly resolved.
Change takes time, patience, commitment, and investment. We must understand that there is no social justice fairy who can wave a wand and create change. It’s on us. This work is still vitally urgent and important, even if there are some of us who are lucky (or naive) enough to feel like our lives or liberties are not immediately threatened.
We understand that no one can be motivated by anger and outrage long-term without burning out. The allyship journey is life-long, so we have to be intentional about sustaining our commitment and energy for racial justice. Here’s some advice for setting yourself up for the long-game. Remember, we’re here as a resource and guide for you!
1. Get Clear on Your Limits
In order to make anti-racism part of your fiber, be honest with yourself on what you can do and contribute. If you can contribute time, commit to an hour daily (or whatever you can truly sustain) of anti-racism education. If it’s money, set aside an amount per month to donate to causes that resonate with you. Maybe it’s using your proximity and privilege to advocate for equal pay in your workspaces, or supporting the BIPOC employee resource groups. Maybe you commit to having one hard conversation a week with your boss, friend, or family member. If you have to schedule it, do it! Make anti-racism a habit until it becomes part of the fabric of who you are.
2. Know That it Will Feel Uncomfortable
Like exercise or therapy, the more you put into it, the more it’ll pay off. But the journey might feel uncomfortable along the way. That’s part of it. Preparing for the discomfort of growth will help you when you start to slide back into feeling comfortable.
3. Have Friends and a Community to Keep You Accountable
Being an ally requires a community and support system that you can have honest conversations with—which is why our course, Allyship in Action 101, is so effective. There are plenty of anti-racism support groups online, or maybe you have a book club or friend group that you can lean on when you have questions, want to work through something, or you’re not sure how to confront a situation when it comes to race. If you don’t have a community, create one! The work is effective when it’s collective.
4. Remember Your ‘Why’
Many people were moved, rattled, or guilted into action back in May and June. Consider what flipped a switch for you. What took off your blindfold? If that hasn’t happened yet (and we hope it has, if you’re reading this!), start with self-reflection and education. Consider the communities you grew up in and what they looked like, where the biases you have come from, or how much about other cultures you know. Figure out a way to make this work personal and important to you. Everyone has a reason to be motivated towards racial justice and social change, even if they don’t see it at first. Think about the impact and the legacy you’d like to be remembered for.
5. Take Care of Yourself for the Sake of Others
Find time for peaceful moments alone, or with people who understand you. As the Kinswomen, we recognize when we need a break, whether that is taking a day off, or getting together as friends and not talking about work. Whatever helps you re-center and decompress (maybe it’s taking a break from social media or the news), make time for it. This is crucial to maintaining longevity.
6. Make This Work Part of Who You Are–and Find the Joy in It
Fighting for the rights of BIPOC shouldn’t only be motivated by sad and oppressive stories. There’s so much joy and so many accomplishments that come from BIPOC cultures. Spend time in that space—read books by BIPOC authors (not only about racial issues), watch movies directed by and centering BIPOC artists, and actively seek out art and culture that challenges your perceptions. Normalize everything that isn’t white.
We hope this article helps reinvigorate and refocus your passion for social justice and keep you accountable for the long-term. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re looking for additional support, take a listen to one of our episodes, or join our course, Allyship in Action 101, which provides a community of allies learning from and leaning on each other.
Love,
The Kinswomen
How are you sustaining your commitment to anti-racism? Tell us in the comments!
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