The First Step, White People, in Your Anti-racist Efforts

The First Step, White People, in Your Anti-racist Efforts

The acknowledgment of support, public statements, marching against racial violence with us in solidarity, and denouncing anti-Black racist practices are meaningful and commendable. Given the repeated anti-Black murders, these are worthy acts to continue the dialogue to recovery and healing. We all know that the first step in any form of recovery is admission and acceptance. In the case of anti-Black racist acts of crime and murder against Black people, it is time for White people to wake up, admit, and accept they are a part of the problem, directly or indirectly. 

I have heard and read enough from my Black brothers and sister about being tired, angry, frustrated, etc., about the senseless murders of Black men and women; and rightfully so. I have to admit that some of my rage might be evident in the tone of this blog. But where is the white rage, anger, and more importantly, the admission and acceptance (not intellectualizing the race issue) from individuals in high places and in secure positions – I welcome all references, blogs, vlogs, etc. Admission and acceptance that you are a part of a system of privilege that has created and sustains a range of White individuals: from white liberal antiracists to anti-Black racists (e.g., Trump or a Derek Chauvin). Just like Black men, specifically, are a part of a system that created and sustains a continuum of Black individuals: from the black brute or super predator (the image that undergirds the criminalization, incarceration, and murder of the black people), to an Oprah or Obama-type (the image of a Black person who is articulate, politically astute; you know, the approachable and tolerable Black person you are probably “friends” with – the credit to their race types). I have to admit and accept that every day of my life whenever I enter white spaces I am continually viewed on this spectrum, thus, I am vulnerable to either experiencing the horrors of a George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery, or reaping the benefits of affirmative action, minority incentives, or some other form of white guilt. These are the conditions in which Black people live under every day, especially in the U.S. Like a job description, this is a life description many of us learn at a very young age. I learn it early growing up in the segregated south, where your life depended on you recognizing certain Black social norms that were in place to preserved your life, especially when you lived in close proximity to anti-Black terrorist groups like the Klan, for example. 

There is a lot to discuss, deconstruct, muse over, process, etc., but, for the sake of brevity, I believe part of the process of admission and acceptance is for white people to begin making statements of admission and acceptance – similar to the land acknowledgment statements we rightly make for the sacred lands of indigenous people. Therefore, whenever a white person stands before a multi-racial audience, especially Black folk, or writes a letter/email to address a multi-race audience, especially Black folk, to present their thoughts on race, they should acknowledge that they are benefactors of a system of white supremacy that has achieved the following without remorse: killed and displaced a nation of indigenous people; kidnapped, enslaved, and exploited the physicality of African people; detained and denied access to Latinos seeking opportunity in the land of opportunity; and consistently terrorizes and murders people of color because white supremacy has created, condoned, and concealed these practices. 

For example, Roger Goodell’s public statement of denouncing racism should have read as follows: “I would like to first acknowledge that my presence here today is because this nation, under the auspices of white supremacy as a tangible asset has: murdered and displaced millions of indigenous people, kidnapped and exploited millions of Africans for its economic prosperity, detained and denied access to Latinos seeking opportunity in the land of opportunity and consistently terrorizes and murders people of color because white supremacy has created, condoned, and concealed these practices. I would like to acknowledge that my $40+ million dollar salary and lavish living experience are because of the predominant Black athletic labor force that undergirds this league, and it provides other predominantly white administrators and owners with similar benefits. With my acknowledgment of how white supremacy has afforded me with white privileges, thus life privileges, We, the National Football League condemn racism…..” This is the preamble to a meaningful letter of support or denouncement.

Finally, to let you in on a little insight, a truth many Blacks learn early on, in some form, is that white’s economic security and success that breeds Black economic exploitation and dependency is not because of their moral or intellectual superiority. We know the secret, the deception is clear, therefore, owning up to it can be the first step. Reaping the benefits of white privileges does not make you a bad person, but believing the lie and acting accordingly prevents authentic antiracist work. I believe all antiracist efforts should begin with this type of acknowledgment. Then, the stage is set to work towards racial healing.