It’s been a summer like no other. George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin galvanized a historic uprising for the liberation of Black and Indigenous folks and people of color, with many white folks experiencing a long-overdue awakening to the reality of racism and anti-Blackness in this country. With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, issues of health, economic, and housing injustice have also been brought to the forefront-- further exposing the system of white supremacy and its devastating inequities.
Although this moment has forced many white people to confront their complicity and complacency, we still have a long way to go. A recent NPR/Ipsos poll found that only 51% of white people believe further change is necessary to ensure equal rights for Black Americans, compared with 89% of Black, 66% of Asian, and 63% of Latinx respondents. Just 36% of white participants answered yes when asked if they had “personally taken any action to better understand racial issues in America” since Floyd’s killing in May, while only 47% expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement
As white folks fighting to dismantle white supremacy, it can often feel as though we haven’t done enough. That’s true. But instead of allowing ourselves to feel defeated, this is the time to get energized. We’re here to provide a supportive community for you to dig in, no matter where you are in your antiracism journey...so join us! This month’s chapter meeting will allow us to reflect and recalibrate: it’s the perfect place to start or continue your work in the movement. The meeting will also be an opportunity to find out more about our neighborhood and working groups, and connect with like-minded members of your community to address local inequities or get involved with whatever it is you’re most passionate about, from spreading awareness to fighting to end mass incarceration to developing antiracist parenting practices, and beyond.
We must continually challenge ourselves to fight this broken system, even when it feels easier to turn away. Set concrete goals for yourself and make antiracism a part of your routine. Consider setting aside a certain amount of time each day or week to do something: have that difficult conversation with your racist family members; create an anti-racism book discussion group; sign petitions; contact your legislators; watch (and resource!) BIPOC art and listen to BIPOC voices; make donations… there are myriad ways to take action, and we’re here to support you along the way.
This work won’t earn us a medal, and we don’t do it in search of validation. But white supremacy has created a system of toxicity and brutality that hurts every one of us, regardless of race - even if it manifests very differently for us as white people. So get active - the movement needs you, and we’re so glad you’re here! See you this Thursday at 6:30.
In solidarity,
SURJ NYC