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While Black Americans have been experiencing inequities and systems of oppression throughout the history of our country, the current news cycle of murders and harassment has highlighted this racism in a way that is causing civil unrest and resurfaced trauma. These events are layered on top of a pandemic in which Black lives are being disproportionately impacted and lost.
This is a time that Americans who do not identify as Black need to come together as allies for the Black community. While there are many ways to show up as an ally, we can all start by creating the space to listen, learn, and amplify the voices that need to be heard.
With that goal in mind, I had the chance to hear from several voices of Black Americans about what they want their white friends, family and colleagues to know during this time.
“Are all white people racist? Hard no. Are all cops bad people? Absolutely not – a majority of them are the epitome of human bravery and dignity. But just because you know a good cop doesn’t mean that police violence is a hoax blown out of proportion by the media. Just because you believe that you see all people the same, doesn’t mean that they’re treated the same by society. And just because you have black friends or family doesn’t mean that you’re part of the solution if you’re silent. If you see something, say something. If you hear wrong, correct it. And scan yourself for bias and try to unpack that a little bit. The difference could save someone’s life. And remember: every single one of those slain men and boys were once somebody’s baby. Every. Single. One.”
Gretchen Borel, Denver, CO
Mother, wife, and nurse
“To my non-black friends, I can’t believe you didn’t feel my pain until now. I’m exhausted by the amount of black hate I’ve seen and experienced in my short life. Yet somehow I feel like this fight will not be over soon, even after all we’ve witnessed in the past few weeks. Call me when it’s no longer my fight, but all of our fights collectively. I will still be fighting for equality so that my daughter can grow up in a world far better than mine; but will you be fighting with me?”
Taylor Simpson, Indianapolis, IN
Father, husband, tech CEO and podcast producer
“When white people say they don’t see color it’s an insult, because it is my color that makes people question why I’m in the spaces I’m in – not my character or my intellect. Once the rioting and protests are all over, you all get to put your signs down and go back to your regularly scheduled program. You have the ability to choose to stay active or completely ignore it. We don’t get that choice, it’s an everyday fight. Y’all have been tired for what, a few weeks, maybe a couple of months? I’ve been tired my whole life. I’m exhausted and I’m 34. You only know the cases that are made famous, and even those happen back to back. Imagine if you knew how those cases come up on the daily and nothing happens. Do the work and have those uncomfortable conversations. Because for Black people, we don’t have a regularly scheduled program to go back to. This is, unfortunately, our regularly scheduled program for life.”
Sharee Hereford, Brooklyn, NY
Digital Storyteller, Media Instructor, Writer, Black Activist
“To all my white family, framily and friends, if you check-in with me please do not ask me how I’m doing. That sh*t ought to be obvious. I and other Black folks are trying to survive a deadly pandemic and white supremacy in overdrive. Both of which are killing us at higher rates due to long standing inaction by a world that gaslights us on the daily. Rather than ask me a question, I want you to answer me a question. Answer for me what side of history you’re on and what the f*ck it is that you are now doing to stand up and show up for Black life?”
Hop Hopkins, Los Angeles, CA
Father, husband, environmental and justice activist, and Sierra Club Director
“While I appear put together at work, inside I’m desperately trying and failing to find space to grieve. For George Floyd. For Ahmaud Arbery. Please allow yourself to feel the discomfort and pain. Acknowledge that having a choice to is a privilege in itself. Black people don’t have a choice — when one of us suffers we all suffer. Sign the petitions. Make the calls. Be part of the change now.”
Dominique Davis, Seattle, WA
Usability researcher and data scientist
“You shouldn’t have to wait for a Black person to die in order to show your solidarity to people of color. This is one day out of 365 — what are you going to do the rest of the year? Is this the only day you’re willing to listen? Until we’re ready to acknowledge where we are and the truth of our shortcomings, we’re still going to be stuck with whatever social trend or hashtag is happening in the moment. We’re not going to find a solution to something as deep as racism in a matter of weeks. If you’re in a position to make way for people to succeed, give them tools and resources they need. If you can’t rescue someone who’s drowning yourself, throw them a lifeline. Don’t just sit by the pool and scream for someone else to jump in.”
Billy Ekofo, Loudoun County, Virginia
Real estate business executive, father, husband
These are just a few of the voices of the almost 50 million Black Americans that are experiencing unjust and unsafe social systems. Nobody knows where the news cycle will go next, but we do know that racism in America is far from over, and it will take every single one of us practicing allyship and anti-racism to change that. Listening to the lived experiences of Black people and taking action to partner in dismantling these systems is our best path forward.
