Image via @courtneyahndesign

There was never a doubt in my mind that I needed to address the death of George Floyd–and the overall racial inequities in our country, yes even in “this day and age”–on this blog, because let’s be real. While we all love a good frivolous moment, there is, and needs to be, room for discussion about the actual important things happening in our world. Particularly when they’re a matter of life and death.So while my approach will not be perfect, it is earnest. And I hope that in the very least, it encourages some introspection on your end.

Things White People Can Do to Promote Racial Justice

Recognize Your Privilege

Based on most of the internet combing and research I’ve done, recognizing your inherent privilege as a white person (or non person of color) is a great place to start.This is the part where all sorts of white people say, “But wait! I’m not from here from here. My people immigrated here, too. They experienced their own brand of discrimination for years/decades/generations/etc.”While true, I think it’s fair to say that no culture has experienced the level of prejudice and degradation that black and African-descent Americans have. So I’m not here to negate your own family’s experience, or play a game of who-has-it-worse, but just think about it really, like really, before you spit that line. There are degrees of evil, and America’s treatment of black and Native peoples is at the top of the list of atrocities. (I’m not a sociologist or historian, so please don’t come at me with specifics. You all know what I’m basically saying.)In the meantime, allow me to share the first paragraph of the linked article, which is a great first step. Be sure to click through here to read the rest:

“Come out as anti-racist and invite others to join you. Be public and vocal about which side you are on, share details of the actions you are taking to make this commitment real, and invite others to join you.” –Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)Tweet

Image via @ohhappydani

Donate Money

Several groups in need of donations keep surfacing in coverage of this story. I got these from this excellent story on USA Today. Below, I’ve listed them:The Official George Floyd Memorial FundThe NAACP Legal Defense FundBlack Lives MatterCommunities United Against Police BrutalityThe Minnesota Freedom Fund

March, Demonstrate or Protest

There are protests and marches happening in tons of cities across America, large and small.

Follow Social Media Accounts that Will Educate You About the Minority Experience in America

Words and image via @ijeomaoluo

These are some accounts I’ve found; they’re the perfect place to start when you want to open yourself up to understanding part of the minority experience in America.Check Your PrivilegeThe Conscious KidOh Happy DaniShiShi RoseRachel RickettsColor of ChangeShowing Up for Racial JusticeWhite People 4 Black LivesThat’s all I’ve got. I’m not an expert in any of this, but then again, about 99.9% of us who are wanting to do better aren’t. So let’s start somewhere, together. There are more things white people can do to promote racial justice.

Please! Drop any favorite resources or reads below, so we can all grow together.