"Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." – John Lewis, American politician and civil rights activist
As we wrap up the 2023 Equity Challenge, we need to bring the focus back to race. As discussed in Day 1’s materials on Levels of Racism and Day 3’s lessons on Institutional and Systemic Racism, the U.S. operates from a racist foundation that systematically oppresses people who are not part of the dominant group (historically white, male, straight, land-owning, etc.). All work to maintain and protect the system of white supremacy.
To work toward equity and justice across all forms of oppression (racism, sexism, ableism, religious persecution, heterosexism, ageism, anti-Semitism and more) we must center race because the system of white supremacy benefits from and expects our silence.
Where do we go from here? The work begins within us all; the work is all of us. In today’s challenge, we encourage you to dig deeper into the frameworks of anti-racism and equity-mindedness. It’s important to note that anti-racism and equity-mindedness will look different for white people, Black people, and people of color. This is an ongoing practice and process for all people, because we all suffer under white supremacy.
Anti-racism and equity-mindedness holds us accountable by requiring us to have an active and consistent practice of using the areas where we have power, influence and privilege to engage in actionable steps to undo behaviors, thoughts and actions that maintain white supremacy.
Learn about the different options you can make here: Take Action in Your County