BROWN IDENTITY, WHITE PRIVILEGE

RACE
Written By Lauren DeLeary
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Black lives matter.

I need to address the current state of the world. The world in which systemic racism is very real. The world in which white privilege is rampant. I’m so so tired of fragility. Sometimes soft & gentle, baby steps & not pointing fingers may seem like the right approach... but who are you really protecting? In the case of injustice, it is absolutely not. I’m flipping tables. And if you’re not part of the solution, your part of the problem. I identify with my brown culture, but I benefit from white privilege. (I'm half white half native) It is my responsibility, my duty & honor to stand in solidarity & in fight with my brothers & sisters against systemic oppression. 


I pose this question... If you want to be treated like a black person, please stand up... no? You wouldn’t like that? Then YOU KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. Stop being ignorant, stop acting like there’s “nothing to be done”. I will say it again — if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.


I paused everything for over a week. I didn’t post on youtube, on instagram, on my podcast… people with white privilege needed to shut up and listen. And I am one of them. But I didn’t just not exist. I existed. I was and am reposting on my stories, info on protests and sharing black folx stories, voices, wisdom, & art. But we CANNOT GO BACK TO “NORMAL”. I want to quote an incredible black writer, RACHEL E. CARGLE (please please please follow her on instagram). She says, “Friendly reminder: anti-racism work is NOT a self improvement space for white people. If protecting bodies & empowering black lives aren’t at the center of your work then you’re not here for black people - you’re simply going through motions to make your white self feel better,” (again please go follow her. She is incredible). 


 I don’t want any of us to go back to “normal”. We CAN NOT. I fear of waking up tomorrow to see that white people are tired of this “movement”.  Black Lives Matter is not just some social media slogan. It's not a badge of honor. This isn’t some sort of social club. Posting a few times on social media is not your excuse to go back to “normal” tomorrow. Be changed. Be forever changed. Revolution is a mindset… it's a lifestyle. It’s not just a social media post. Be aware. Don't settle. The revolution is only just beginning. Don't be the reason this dissipates… black lives matter if social media all went away tomorrow. Remember that. And live that.


A note to my non-black friends and followers: black people are not responsible to teach you, break things down for you, soothe you, or clarify ANY of this for you. There are resources by black people out there… books, articles, podcasts, organizations, social media accounts… seek them out and learn but don’t go crying to your black friends about your white privilege and their oppression. Your emotions are not theirs or anyone else responsibility. Reach out and tell them you love them. But they don’t owe you anything. Now is a time for activism & action. Just learn from the countless amount of information already out there and do better. Be better. 


I will list people and accounts much smarter and much more qualified to talk on this matter than me and also a link of resources to donate to and sign petitions. I also have a BLM story highlight on my instagram where you can find many social media accounts to follow.


To all of my black friends, family and followers — I love you. I am here for you. If there is anything you need or any way I can further support you, please let me know. I can’t imagine the varied emotions you are going through. I forever stand with you. 


Black lives matter. 


thank you for listening. chi-miigwech

To donate go to: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_...

Other places to donate:  https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mov... https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/ https://www.gofundme.com/f/i-run-with...

How to get involved:  https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co https://blacklivesmatter.ca

Take Action:  https://m4bl.org

A detailed list of Resources for Anti-Racism  https://medium.com/wake-up-call/a-det...

Sign a Petition:  https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-...

Movies to watch: 

13th

American Son

Dear White People

Explained: The Racial Wealth Gap

Who Killed Malcom X? 

Podcasts to listen to: 

Code Switch

About Race

The Diversity Gap 

Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast 

Brene Brown Unlocking Us episode with Ibram X. Kendi - How to be Anti Racist 

Inspiring Artists to listen to:  

Kota the Friend 

6lack 

Jhené Aiko 

J.Cole 

Odie 

Frank Ocean

SZA

Summer Walker 

Some of my fav Youtubers I love watching:

  - Antonnette: a beauty, fashion and lifestyle channel. She shares content on her current favorites, must haves and all around obsessions! https://www.youtube.com/user/Antotere...

- Samantha Maria: she is based in London. Her channel focuses on fashion styling & beauty. She also has a cute little toddler & sometimes does videos on fitness, cooking, interior design, & traveling. https://www.youtube.com/user/beautycr...

- Sun Kiss Alba: she is a wife and mom of two. She shares her love for clean beauty and natural living, with easy to follow videos. https://www.youtube.com/user/SunKissA...

- Joe Holder: entirely fitness. but omg! He is amazing. Last time I checked he was vegan too. I love his approach to fitness. It is very wellness centered. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC23U...

RESOURCES FOR KIDS AND TEENS

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Lauren DeLeary https://laurendeleary.com
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