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I’ve been continuing to increase the number of Black/non-White voices I follow, as I’m hoping my followers will do. I can’t tell you how people feel, what people want, etc.–I can only pass along non-White voices that Do tell America what they need, want, feel.
I came across one of artist Danielle Coke’s (@ohhappydani) graphics and loved it, then checked out her instagram account, where she has quite a few good graphics related to racial equity, COVID-19, etc.–some of which I’m going to embed below. (I’m holding back on one of my favorites, as it’s relevant to a future post…) I feel like her art could be helpful to those trying to muddle their way through what allyship is.
What I also loved was a caption on one of her posts:
“Hear me when I say this: perfection is NOT a prerequisite to participation. You can actively work on diversity in your daily life AND use your voice against injustice at the same time. Allyship is a journey, so don’t feel pressured to get it all right immediately!”
-Danielle Coke
I hope the graphics show up below. If not, click through to instagram–you can click on the photo caption, and that’ll take you straight to the graphic. I hope you’ll give @ohhappydani a follow (and look at giving her some business!). I mean, America loves us some infographics and squares!
View this post on InstagramThe time for action is now, and we have no time to waste 👏🏾 let’s talk about allyship during a crisis (and beyond!) ⠀⠀ 🚦PICK A CAUSE. You’re more likely to be effective (and follow through with action) when you’re focused on one cause! Examples include: poverty, homelessness, immigrants + refugees, the Indigenous, frontline, the incarcerated, etc etc. ⠀⠀ 📦 UNPACK & LEARN. Become aware of the most urgent needs and comb through as much information as possible. The more you know, the more helpful you’ll be. ⠀⠀ 🏠 THINK LOCAL. Chances are, the orgs on the ground are more aware and knowledgeable of what’s high-priority. Before you act, listen and follow their lead so you can maximize your impact within your direct sphere of influence. ⠀⠀ 📣 TAKE ACTION. It’s time to pull-up! Assess your resources and take targeted, direct action that will lead to relief. Whether this means buying groceries for someone, donating computers to programs, or spreading the word about the cause – something must be done! ⠀⠀ ✔️ REPEAT! The work continues, and you’re needed for the long-haul. ⠀⠀ Which orgs will you partner with? Let’s turn the comments into a resource. Share below! ↓
View this post on Instagram
Allies, it’s time to take inventory: how does diversity play out in your day-to-day? 🤔 ⠀⠀ Hear me when I say this: perfection is NOT a prerequisite to participation. You can actively work on diversity in your daily life AND use your voice against injustice at the same time. Allyship is a journey, so don’t feel pressured to get it all right immediately! 💚 ⠀⠀ Now, let’s break this down: ⠀⠀ 👩🏽🤝👨🏻 FRIENDSHIPS: It’s so important to do life with people who don’t look like you. The varying perspectives that you’ll be exposed to will challenge you to look at life differently & draw you out of your comfort zone. ⠀⠀ 📚 LEADERS: Okay, so… do you follow mostly white influencers, authors, speakers, etc? I want to challenge you here. The more that POC are viewed as credible resources, the more visibility we’ll be given – which will increase representation across the board in a myriad of ways!! You’ll also be able to learn from life experiences that don’t mirror yours. ⠀⠀ 💒 PLACES OF WORSHIP: (speaking from a Christian viewpoint here) Majority-POC churches arose as a direct result of minorities not being welcomed in most churches throughout history. Majority-white churches: I challenge you to call in your leaders and discuss ways to increase diversity in your congregations AND leadership! Let’s mirror Heaven here on Earth. ⠀⠀ 💋 STANDARDS OF BEAUTY: How do you define beauty in general? Do minorities often fit that standard? Explore your mindset in this area and make sure that your preferences aren’t rooted in prejudice. ⠀⠀ 👸🏾 TOYS: Is Princess Tiana the only brown-skinned princess your kids know about? Do you provide multi-ethnic toys and action figures? Inclusivity can be shaped early-on, and I encourage you to explore this with your family. ⠀⠀ 🏫 BUSINESS: Supporting minority-owned businesses can help to create jobs, uplift communities, and strengthen local economies weakened by systemic oppression. Do ya need anymore reasons? 🤩 ⠀⠀ Whew, hope that helped as a starting point. Comment other areas to consider below!
View this post on InstagramWhen it comes to the effects of the virus on black lives, the roots run deep. 🌳 ⠀⠀ This is one of the hardest illustrations I’ve ever done. Not because of the tree – but because of the overwhelming nature of the subject at hand. Seeing headlines like “Blacks are Dying at Higher Rates from Covid-19” SHOOK me! ⠀⠀ Now, more than ever, systemic racism has to be addressed. This list is only scratching the surface of all of the ways that racial inequity plays out in the day-to-day lives of black Americans. ⠀⠀ I definitely plan to do more content on ways we can practically love on and serve vulnerable communities during this time, but the foundation of it all MUST be acknowledged. It won’t be a quick fix, but we can all do our part to destroy inequity by hitting it where it really hurts- the ROOT 🤎
