Not to me. I don’t have any leadership to offer in this moment.
White friends, it’s time to listen. It has been for quite some time.
As a matter of context: Just in the last few weeks these things happened…Ahmaud Aubrey in Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Chris Cooper in NYC, and George Floyd in Minneapolis, not to mention the thousands (yes, thousands) before them. Last night protests erupted in multiple cities across the nation, including the second night of rebellions in my nearby city of Richmond, Virginia (I’m writing this 5/31/2020). Thus far I’ve read two interpretations of the vandalism that are likely both true: “No justice, no peace” and “White instigators did it.”
It’s a lot. All at once.
My texts, social media feeds, and shoot even my own family are blowing up my phone with White people wondering what they should think and what they can do. “Should I go to a protest?” “What do I tell my kids?” “What should we do about this?” “But the vandalism!” “Aren’t there better strategies than destruction?”
You want to know what White people can do? Listen, I’ve got just the answer.
No, really, the answer is to listen.
I know, I know. You want to *do* something. I hear you, but seriously, listen first.
Listen to Black leaders. Believe them. Follow them. And tuck yourself under their leadership. Allow yourself to be led by Black people.
Black leaders have been trying to guide us through racial healing, like forever. For all the outrage that Black people are legitimately entitled to have, overwhelmingly most want peace. They want to claim their humanity and realize equity, though sometimes I think we’d be better off with the scales tilted even more in their favor than mere equity. Here’s why.
The lie that some people are worthy humans and others are not holds us all down. ALL of us. Don’t you have a story of feeling like you aren’t good enough. That the standard for a successful human is too narrow? Haven’t you ever felt closed out of something? That the deck is stacked against you? I sure have. Do you know who are socio-historically among the most experienced people on the planet with dealing with marginalization? And then on top of that are brilliant creators and resilient AF?
Black Americans.
If you seek a society where you are good enough just as you are, seek Black leadership.
For the good of all of us.
The lie of White supremacy is loud. Sometimes it’s all you can hear. If you think there isn’t Black leadership right now, you’ll need to listen closer. They are here, nationally and in your communities. Most are not in traditional positions of power. They are self-determined, creative entrepreneurs, artists, scholars, journalists, experienced activists, and social media masters. They have not been waiting to be appointed to a position. Leaders don’t wait.
White people, as you form opinions about race issues or form an action plan on what to do about it ask yourself these questions:
• Have I identified Black leaders who I admire and strive to follow?
• Do I follow Black leaders on social media?
• Do I know who my local Black activists are?
• Are Black activists creating a plan? Do they think there’s a place for me in that plan?
• Do Black educators have advice for how to talk to my kids?
• Have I learned what Black experts think about the issues? Can I name some Black scholars?
• Can I challenge myself to fall inline under Black leadership that I admire and not try to steer it myself?
• Am I in a position to promote Black leadership? Either in terms of their position or visibility?
No, I’m not saying any Black leader will do. That’s not what I’m saying. Not every Black leader aims to provide socio-historically informed system-changing leadership that we need so desperately. Some are trapped in a system that doesn’t want that voice to be heard. And for some, the lie of White supremacy is still too loud. The more you listen, the more you’ll be able to tell.
And of course, there is no singular Black voice. There will be contradictions. You will hear “White people sit down, we don’t need you” and also “White people your silence is compliance!” Listen to these messages. Collect them. They are all valid.
Don’t form your opinions and plans by talking just to White people, even if they are also anti-racists. Don’t seek the leadership of White people in this moment.
Now (and every moment) is the time to follow Black leadership.