Learning How to be Anti-Racist

We must do more than not be racist and that involves learning how to be anti-racist.

Racism is not partisan. Democrats have a history filled with racism starting with Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act allowing white people to settle on Native lands, continuing into the party’s split before the Civil War, with the Southern Democrats supporting slavery. Let us not forget the States’ Rights Democratic Party (also known as the Dixiecrats) established in 1948, that was a segregationist political party determined to protect southern states’ rights to maintain racial segregation. It’s imperative that we understand our history and own the role our ancestors played in its creation.

I’m hopeful that sharing my personal truths will open the door for more white people to start doing the work around erasing racism.

Racism is taught. It’s up to us white people to educate ourselves and our fellow white people on how to fix it.
Understand white privilege and start explaining it to your fellow white friends. Quite simply, we are privileged because of the color of our skin. It has nothing to do with money and is nothing we should be ashamed of. But we must admit to it and then use it to help fight racism. That’s what being an ally is all about.
As a white woman, it’s my responsibility to listen to our Black and brown brothers and sisters. I must keep my mouth shut and listen.
Think long and hard about that Facebook comment with your opinion that undermines that of your Black or brown friend. They are walking through this world without white skin to protect them.
Don’t ask your Black and brown friends how to solve an issue around racism, no matter how good of a friend they are. Google it. Read books. Listen to podcasts. We’ve provided a list to start with below.
Vote for people who stand up for racial equality. When your elected officials don’t, hold them accountable. Help elect people who will create real change.
Speak up when you see or hear someone being racist. Always. Don’t politely giggle at your racist uncle at Thanksgiving. Correct your co-worker. Check yourself.
Understand cultural appropriation and adjust accordingly.
Be proactive in supporting Black and minority owned businesses, especially women owned companies.
Lastly, don’t brag about what a great ally you are. Allyship isn’t about looking good or competing with other white people. Allyship is a continuous journey.

Listen. Learn. Listen some more. You will make mistakes and you will need to apologize and you will keep learning. It’s our responsibility as white people to erase racism.

This list is simply a starting point, provided by the WCDP, for White people and prospective allies everywhere.

We recommend you start with the Guide to Allyship.

Articles

Books

Videos/Talks

Movies/Documentaries

13th - Netflix documentary exposing racial inequality within the criminal justice system
Let It Fall - a documentary looking at racial tensions in Los Angeles & the riots over Rodney King’s death
Selma - chronicles the marches of the Civil Rights Movement
List of social justice movies on Netflix

Podcasts

Courses

Social Media Accounts

If you're ready to take action, learn more about these local, statewide and national organizations that are already doing the work.

Williamson County:

Nashville/TN/National:

In solidarity,

Courtenay Rogers
Treasurer, WCDP

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