Some folks are confused and think that if they do nothing to engage racial justice, they are, well, just doing nothing. But because white supremacy is such a fundamental dynamic in U.S. culture, we often can’t help pushing its agenda in some way because it’s built into the social fabric (until we tear it out). To be frank: If you do nothing to actively address racial bias, you are most likely still perpetuating it, even while being assaulted by it.
But, the pervasiveness of white supremacy writ large or small means there are literally hundreds of accessible opportunities to take action in your very own life. Today. For folks targeted by white supremacy that might be celebrating your culture or getting some much needed rest.
So, what’s up with the nothing doing? There are many reasons (including many mechanisms built into white supremacy that seek to assure its continuance) but primary among them is that folks can get paralyzed by not knowing the “best” thing to do, fear of not doing things well, feeling isolated, not wanting to risk connections, etc. One antidote is to have a peer group who will be along with you for the ups and downs, and hold your feet to the fire of collective liberation.
Good news! Whether to remove your blocks to action, or to provide good company while you keep on keeping on, this week (and every week) you’re invited to a friendly but fierce racial justice check-in, where you can make a commitment, draw on collective wisdom to avoid obstacles, and then reflect on what happened the following week. We look forward to you joining us!
Show Up this Week
See more events on the Racial Justice Calendar
#endwhitesilence Demonstration
Wednesday, August 26th, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Champaign City Building
Racial Justice Check In Circle
Thursday, August 27th, 4:30 p.m.
Please register ahead of time.
Call to Action
See more calls to action HERE
Say “No School Resource Officers in Urbana Schools!”
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5 minute action: Sign and share this petition (also available in Spanish)
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15 minute action: Send emails to Board members and administrators demanding that they remove the police from our schools.
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60 minute action: Join the SURJ National Defund the Police Abolition Action Zap, August 26th at 12 p.m., which will include calls to Urbana School Board members. When you register, please email us at info@cusurj.org so we can connect you with other local folks who are doing it.
Cultural Work
Champaign Underground celebrates BLM by Kristen Johns
Art Now with Cynthia Oliver
“Afro-Latina” by