Admitting "I know nothing" is a start to understanding racism.
After the tragic deaths of black and brown Americans, followed by the wave of outrage and pain that rose into a global outcry, I realized that I know nothing about the systemic racial inequity and injustice in the United States.
This was a shock to me because I consider myself to be a conscious, educated, values-driven person with strong ties to the US. Even more so, because raising awareness and empowering people to step into their authentic leadership to transform our society for the better, is what I do for a living. And still, I realized, I know nothing!
With this realization, I felt paralyzed. I would love more than anything to be part of the solution. But in this case I first had to face a very inconvenient truth: I am part of the problem because I know nothing.
Repeatedly #BlackLivesMatter leaders and activists have told us, invited us, shared with us, and pleaded with us., “white people, please stop talking. Start listening and educate yourselves before we start spouting personal opinions.” These resilient, brave leaders encouraged us to simply listen, to be with the discomfort of the situation and the dialog. They challenged us that even though we know nothing, to not withdraw from the conversation; you see, that too is a privilege that black and brown people do not have.
I know that each of us has our own way of dealing with difficult or uncomfortable situations. For me, I tend to go inward and immediately begin to soul search and reconnect with who I am and what I stand for, what makes me get out of bed each day, and how I want to impact the world. This provides me with a sense of purpose and inspiration and usually works to mobilize me. I never once considered this a form of privilege. But in that moment I realized, I know nothing!
“The trouble is that once you see it, you can't unsee it. And once you've seen it, keeping quiet, saying nothing, becomes as political an act as speaking out. There's no innocence. Either way, you're accountable.”
― Arundhati Roy
I knew I must reengage with the conversation and encourage my friends and colleagues to stay engaged in it too. But how? How could I do that in an intentional way with an open mind and an open heart to allow the conversation and the healing to begin. Because you see, I realized I know nothing!
What I have chosen to do is to actively seek resources to educate myself, and to consciously look at what the privilege of being a white woman has afforded me and withheld from people of color. By searching for and finding resources (sometimes uncomfortable resources) that open my eyes, I realize more than ever that I know nothing!
My ignorance is devastating to me. I feel my education is just beginning. In building my resource library, I found the 21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge (C), which includes an entire set of recommended resources of its own. In order to learn together in our commitment to equity, the Tiara Global Leaders are doing this challenge together in July. Our Tiara Resource Circle Members are absolutely welcome to join us.
It is through taking on this challenge together and holding a commitment to continue to learn that we hope to no longer say that I know nothing about racism in our respective countries.
I will finish this post by sharing my deepest desire below, hoping this is something we can each take to heart as a starting point, while creating a world where each person is safe, whole, respected and treated equitably individually, societally, and systemically.
Love, Andrea Henning
From Reverend Dr. Yolanda Pierce (https://www.yolandapierce.com/)
Let us not rush to the language of healing, before understanding the fullness of the injury & the depth of the wound.⠀⠀⠀
Let us not rush to offer a band aid, when the gaping wound requires surgery & complete reconstruction.⠀
Let us not offer false equivalencies, thereby diminishing the particular pain being felt in a particular circumstance in a particular historical moment.
Let us not speak of reconciliation without speaking of reparations & restoration, or how we can repair the breach & how we can restore the loss.
Let us not rush past the loss of this mother’s child, this father’s child…someone’s beloved son.
Let us not value property over people; let us not protect material objects while human lives hang in the balance.
Let us not value a false peace over a righteous justice.
Let us not be afraid to sit with the ugliness, the messiness, & the pain that is life in community together.
Let us not offer clichés to the grieving, those whose hearts are being torn asunder.
Instead…
Let us mourn black & brown men & women, those killed extra judicially every 28 hours.
Let us weep at a criminal justice system, which is neither blind nor just.
Let us call for the mourning men & the wailing women, those willing to rend their garments of privilege & ease, & sit in the ashes of this nation’s original sin.
Let us be silent when we don’t know what to say.
Let us be humble & listen to the pain, rage, & grief pouring from the lips of our neighbors & friends.
Let us decrease, so that our brothers & sisters who live on the underside of history may increase.
Let us pray with our eyes open & our feet firmly planted on the ground.
Let us listen to the shattering glass & let us smell the purifying fires, for it is the language of the unheard.
God, in your mercy…⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Show me my own complicity in injustice.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Convict me for my indifference.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Forgive me when I have remained silent.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Equip me with a zeal for righteousness.⠀⠀⠀⠀
Never let me grow accustomed or acclimated to unrighteousness.
