This article ran online on The Relentless School Nurse on July 3, 2020.
By Robin Cogan
Chicago Beyond CEO, Liz Dozier, is hosting a series of conversations about what it means to be anti-racist.
It is not enough to say “I am not racist.” Calling ourselves “not racist” is to be silent about what is happening in our country. Silence is complicit. We need to be anti-racist and yes, it is uncomfortable but necessary. It demands that white people end our silence & take action to counter-balance the structures that perpetuate racism. No more statements, stand for something that might make you feel uncomfortable. Recognize the structural racism in housing, jobs, healthcare, education, and work to change the systems that are inequitable.
We are living in a moment in history where we can fundamentally change the structural inequities in our country that perpetuate racism or we can be silent. We have a collective responsibility to take action and be anti-racist. But what does it look like? Advocate for policies that are anti-racist. Hold our leaders accountable. Vote out leaders that do not address the policies that perpetuate racist structures that continue oppression.
If you are in a position of power and have agency, be intentional and hire people of color in positions of power and agency. We have momentum at this moment in time, let’s not squander it by inaction. That’s being an ally.
