This week I muted, listened and absorbed. I did not feel like it was my place to take up space when systematic racism is not my lived experience. I was not born a person of colour. So I listened and let others teach me what their world looked like.
The deeper I delved into the topic the more I realised I needed to be in the background and let others have centre stage. It is not my role to teach about what I do not know. It is my role to listen and support. To stand up for what is wrong and teach my children to do the same.
Right now I think it is important to focus and lift up Black Lives Matter movement. This does not mean I do no support and acknowledge systemic racism that is happening to all people of colour, particularly the First Nations of Canada. For purpose of this post I am focusing on BLM movement so as to not dilute the message but that does not mean I do not see you and support you.
Below you will find the beginnings of database on what I gathered this week. I fear that social media will move on with the next hot topic and these resources will be lost. I hope through education we can take the next steps toward equality together.
I will keep updating this post with information. Please comment with anything you would like to add that would be helpful to others. This is just my lens and there are so many more voices needed to truly start to understand. I hope you find it useful. Be well everyone.
Educate Yourself
How to be a good ally, according to activists
Common phrases that are actually racists
Educate Children/Youth
Talking to your white kids about black lives matter.
Race & Therapy
The roots of Art Therapy: Honouring Black Art Therapy Pioneers
Podcast by Therapist Resmaa Menakem on working with Racial trauma at a cellular level:
Resmaa Menakem: FREE Racialized Trauma 5-Day ECourse
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