Please use this discussion forum as a space to discuss what you found most impactful or challenging about Module 1. You can also ask questions, and engage with other participants.
After watching the workshop video I recognized that I was having a multitude of feelings. I have often struggled, and discussed this in one of my journal entries, with the balance between allowing my White guilt and fragility to overwhelm me to the point of utilizing my privilege to take a step back from the terrible things happening to People of Color in this country and around the world or using that guilt to lead me to action. Something I have heard many times from White folks and have honestly felt before in myself is that "we have to take care of our mental health too" or "I don't have the capacity to handle this right now in addition to the other heavy things happening in my life". I recognize that as a White person I am able to step away from injustices happening when I feel overwhelmed. I am able to get that self care typically when I need it. But that is where the White guilt comes in and I struggle because I know People of Color don't have that option to just walk away when they need a break. I am struggling with knowing how to make sure I don't burn myself out so I can continue to be a good ally but also making sure I am consistently and continuously doing this work.
Recognizing all of this is such an important step. One thing that helps me reduce burnout is setting a boundary for my news intake. For example, not reading anything news related or viewing social media after 9pm. This gives my brain a chance to unwind so I can rest. I'm not always successful with that boundary, but it is helpful. Also, having a network of folks who are also engaging is helpful, because there lies support. And ultimately yes, we all need to take care of ourselves. We can't be effective if we become so unhealthy because we've neglected our mental health, because all of this is tough on our mental health. I think recognizing your privilege is important, but the guilt that can come with that can lead us to self-neglect, as if we come to believe that any comfort we may feel is selfish. It is a delicate balance.
I had many of the same reactions while watching this video and also when reflecting about white privilege in module 2. I wrote in my journal entry that one of the most important priveleges I have being white is the ability to walk away from the conversation whenever I want to. The way that this intersects with white guilt can be a powerful tool for action but could also lead to burnout. I certainly don't have the answers, but I appreciate Ashely's suggestions. Just wanted to say that I'm sure many of us are feeling similar things. Thankks for sharing!
In one of the videos I watched, a panel speaker asked the question....."Who determines what is of value?" He answered his own question..."Whites want everything BUT THE BURDEN & RESPONSIBILITY." I would add to that awareness....."Many, if not most of the mental health issues whites have had to deal with from one generation to the next are connected to the reality that they "want everything but not the burden & responsibility". Whites don't want any limitations placed on THEIR FREEDOM. In a nutshell, it's called "greed", intertwined with many other factors.
Thank you for saying this. It really helps me conceptualize better and see where that “burnout” may really be stemming from. I will definitely examine that more in myself.
Module 3 has a lot of rich material in it for which I am grateful.
Many people do not understand the concept of interdependence. Many do not want to understand it because they have been conditioned and trained to "thrive" in their notion of separation. There is a great and profound truth in MLK, JR's words shared in one of the videos....."Until you are all you can be, I will never be all I can be". Wake up white people because always trying to keep POC's down-out-invisible-etc. only serves to keep YOU down-out-invisible,etc. HELLO!!! The other side of the coin is full of truth also. "Until POC's are all they can be, white people will never be all they can be." Keep waking up POC's, You have a tremendous wealth to bring to the table but watch out, don't let the whites steal it all from you.
After watching the first few videos about toxic white guilt, i find myself questioning every choice i've made- along the same lines as the argument "can true altruism exist".... all of my motivations are in question.
I have encountered the same thing, both at the beginning of my anti-racism work, and still throughout as I grow. I have been subject to call outs many times, and sometimes I have indeed messed up, but in every case, when your intentions are called into question either by another person, or just through the normal processing of your own behavior, it is a challenge. It is good that you are reflecting, and no matter how far along you are in this process, it will continue to be an important part of the work.
Letting it not paralyze you is the key. Take it in stride as an opportunity to just become more conscious of what you are doing, and why you are doing it. You are doing great work already.
I'm a proponent and ally of anti-racism. As a minority myself I cannot stand anywhere of racism occurring. For example, an article today in Task & Purpose (new media agency for the military) discussed about how lawmakers are trying to push for the removal of Nazi graves and tombstones found within graves of the United States Army Veterans. You would not believe the amount of support people are saying to keep the graves there as historical preserved sites. However, if it weren't for today's Neo Nazis plaguing the conservative political viewpoints of right winged organizations, perhaps my own standpoint of removing those graves might change.
Now i'm not saying remove history, but Nazi tombstones with Nazis have no right to be buried in American grave sites. If that was the case, many american soldiers should have been left buried in Afghanistan as a reminder to the enemy who we are (yet we don't do that because they are American). That being said, if we compare this scenario to the inequity of African Americans here in America, why is it that White Nazis and say, confederate soldeirs who are enemies to the United states) treated with more reverence and respect than those who were black panther or of other affiliated organizations? This is the injustice that honestly pisses me off and makes me wonder how blind many Americans are to the double standards that continue to be emulated in our political and social viewpoints.
In short, where is the balance between the two sides to talk about it and when is it appropriate? I love seeing the museum for African Americans being hosted to talk, and when it comes to my scenario, a similar thing should be done in hopes of talking and moving past history, but until that happens, people will continue to be blind to it, thus allowing Neo Nazis a continued voice in American society as well as biases.
This helped me to see how racism permeates our world today: "...African Americans have been living in a burning building for many years, choking on the smoke as the flames burn closer and closer. Racism in America is like dust in the air. It seems invisible — even if you’re choking on it — until you let the sun in. Then you see it’s everywhere. As long as we keep shining that light, we have a chance of cleaning it wherever it lands. But we have to stay vigilant, because it’s always still in the air." By: Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar Op-Ed, LAT 5/30/2020, "Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge" TYVM for offering anti-racist training - you're doing the hard and important and ever-shifting work of "getting the sun in." LINK: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-05-30/dont-understand-the-protests-what-youre-seeing-is-people-pushed-to-the-edge
I am very glad I watched this video when I did. This morning, I logged onto social media before starting work from home-every morning I love to sit with my coffee and scroll through Facebook-and I noticed something: My posts about my youngest daughter graduating elementary school-liked closed to 60 times, with many comments from friends and loved ones on the pictures I posted. My post about how heartbreaking it was to go pack my classroom and seeing my classroom looking like a ghost town-that got a lot of likes and comments. My posts on the issue of race and discrimination in this country-a handful of likes, and very few comments. I know that I can't judge people off of that-and I know that social media is saturated with posts about racism, white privilege, and people get overwhelmed by it and need a break. But it bothers me how everyone can share recipes and videos of cute kittens-but are less willing to share a post about racism. I seriously started wording a post in my head, how I would call people out (not specific people, of course). I like to sit and think long and hard before I go deep on social media-because it can be a powerful tool. And i don't want to cause hurt to the friends I have who do feel as I do but aren't sure WHAT to do. I am glad I watched this first.
I do experience guilt and shame. I have heard a racist joke and have said nothing. I'm disgusted by that-that I allowed my desire to "fit in" with a group to override my sense of morality.
I had a talk with a friend yesterday. She said that she feels white people need to speak up more. She said the message coming from her, a black woman, won't be as powerful-because everyone expects her to share the message. But if I share it-I will reach more people-I have more white friends, people will deem it more important if a person who is largely unaffected by the topic is passionate enough about it. I told her-maybe, but many white people feel they aren't "supposed" to share the message-they're uncomfortable because they don't relate to the struggles so they feel it "isn't their place". But it is! It is everyone's "place" to advocate for those who need support and love. I have friends who won't touch this issue on social media because they don't feel they should speak for a group they don't belong to. Which I do understand...but one of these friends also spoke out strongly when Brock Turner (white man) was minimally punished for raping a woman. My friend has never been a victim of sexual assault. She protested. She wrote letters and petitions. She was LOUD-and rightfully so. I asked her why she openly stood behind that cause when she wasn't directly affected in that same way-but can't do so here. She had no answer.
Your story about the woman protesting Brock Turner's sentence cracks me up. That is, that she had no comment. I find this question -- of what a person's "place" is in terms of speaking or writing or acting for or against something -- to be the thing that really sticks in my craw. The argument over the book "American Dirt" I think was ridiculous (disclaimer: I know the author) -- saying that people can't write about things if it concerns a social group they are not a part of . . . that kind of shut down is really harmful, and keeps people from expanding their awareness and imaginations, for fear they will step onto someone's "turf". But that being said, the issue of talking over POC, dominating conversations, imposing ourselves as white people . . . that's real. It's just a constant tension between the two. In my opinion.
About white exceptionalism, guilt and shame. I often think about what my parents, my grandparents and my other ancestors did, especially when it comes to colonization. I am Brazilian but my grandmother was Portuguese, and she may have immigrated to Brazil at a young age, but who knows other members of our family did back then. The Portuguese did horrific things to Brazilian natives and people brought to Brazil as slaves from Africa. So, just like here in the U.S., our past is not somethings we can be so proud of. So, yes, I have experienced white guilt, especially when I am talking to or learning about a black or native person's terrible experiences because of racism, knowing that where I am right now is a privileged place compared to them. But because it's impossible to erase the past, I can only look at what happened and at I have done in the past and learn from it, change my attitude, move on and be proactive in bringing change.
About the ally continuum. Last month, I was "aware" but now I am "active". I have learned so much since I read the book White Fragility by Robin Diangelo. Now, I am taking this training, I have also watched a few documentaries such as 13th on Netflix. I have been following a lot of black content creators and pages dedicated to social justice. I have been talking to my husband about it and now he is on his journey to become an ally. We are both helping small black owned business in our area and donating to some causes. I do hope we both evolve to one day become "advocates". We still have a long way to go, but at least now we know which direction to go.
My last reflection. I feel more prepared to engage in racial conversations; I will definitely be more thoughtful about what I say and how I say it. Better than that, I will try to listen more and to receive feedback. The PDFs were really helpful, so I uploaded them to my drive so I can have it as a resource for myself and other people.
Something I'm questioning a lot with in my allyship currently is the idea that holding my tongue is a privilege in white spaces, but also I don't want to steamroll or cause more harm in predominately white spaces. I have a personal background and life history that has taught me to default to the freeze response in conflict or situations of doubt, not just in this work, but in general. I think a big part of my journey is learning how to speak in the moment without it having to be the "perfectly correct" comment to open up dialogue, with an understanding that perfectionism is believed by some to be a tool of white supremacy. Grace and forgiveness of self is probably incredibly important in these conversations, because someone along the way will disagree or get upset or something--that means I'm taking the risk. I often assume I'm going to get it wrong before opening my mouth, or get too intellectual in my head--playing out scenarios or questioning the questions I'm questioning, which is something else to question (ha, there I go again) on this lifelong journey.
Thank you for the handouts. I work with college students, and I think that I'll keep copies of them in my office--or have them so that I can forward them to my students. Often I have interactions like the young man did with "Tim," where students presume they can come and complain to me about their non-canonical literature instructors (most of whom are Black or Latino) and that I'll side with them in their displeasure about being made uncomfortable about discussions of white privilege. I feel better equipped to help them understand that learning is uncomfortable and that they may actually have biases and hold racist ideologies that they deny. Thank you for making this training available to the general public.
I would self-assess I am somewhere between aware and active. I continue to read, continue to learn, continue to listen to the voices of BIPOC (even the BIPOC voices that are speaking contrary to the BLM movement - i.e. Candace Owens, which is difficult and contrary to my beliefs). I find myself stalling out...I find myself in a place that is difficult to transition to Advocate because of fear. As I reflect on shame and guilt, I think the fear that is grounded in shame and guilt for what I've done or said in the past and then fear to make those mistakes or other mistakes.
As an advocate for victims of sexual violence, I know and understand what is means to advocate...I need to let go of the shame, guilt, and fear and just jump. The BIPOC members of my community deserve support, love, understanding, and people with privilege to address the systemic issues within our community surrounding race and identity. My question, how does one do that and not be seen as disingenuous and/or like I'm trying to "save" people.
Wow...the videos on being an ally, combating fear, finding connection through lived experiences to talk to others about oppression, prejudice, and racism were powerful. I've saved them to watch again, each packets of nuggets of truth and knowledge. This section is by far the section I've taken the most notes - much to my comments as shared earlier about allowing fear to pull me away from being the best advocate I can be. I share often during my presentations on sexual violence education that "violence thrives in silence"...I need to take this mantra and apply it to speaking up against racism, oppression, and injustice.
Discussion Decorum: Participants will treat each other with respect. When disagreeing or debating, focus comments on the facts and training content, not personalities. No personal attacks. Purposefully rude or derogatory language will not be tolerated.
After watching the workshop video I recognized that I was having a multitude of feelings. I have often struggled, and discussed this in one of my journal entries, with the balance between allowing my White guilt and fragility to overwhelm me to the point of utilizing my privilege to take a step back from the terrible things happening to People of Color in this country and around the world or using that guilt to lead me to action. Something I have heard many times from White folks and have honestly felt before in myself is that "we have to take care of our mental health too" or "I don't have the capacity to handle this right now in addition to the other heavy things happening in my life". I recognize that as a White person I am able to step away from injustices happening when I feel overwhelmed. I am able to get that self care typically when I need it. But that is where the White guilt comes in and I struggle because I know People of Color don't have that option to just walk away when they need a break. I am struggling with knowing how to make sure I don't burn myself out so I can continue to be a good ally but also making sure I am consistently and continuously doing this work.
Recognizing all of this is such an important step. One thing that helps me reduce burnout is setting a boundary for my news intake. For example, not reading anything news related or viewing social media after 9pm. This gives my brain a chance to unwind so I can rest. I'm not always successful with that boundary, but it is helpful. Also, having a network of folks who are also engaging is helpful, because there lies support. And ultimately yes, we all need to take care of ourselves. We can't be effective if we become so unhealthy because we've neglected our mental health, because all of this is tough on our mental health. I think recognizing your privilege is important, but the guilt that can come with that can lead us to self-neglect, as if we come to believe that any comfort we may feel is selfish. It is a delicate balance.
I had many of the same reactions while watching this video and also when reflecting about white privilege in module 2. I wrote in my journal entry that one of the most important priveleges I have being white is the ability to walk away from the conversation whenever I want to. The way that this intersects with white guilt can be a powerful tool for action but could also lead to burnout. I certainly don't have the answers, but I appreciate Ashely's suggestions. Just wanted to say that I'm sure many of us are feeling similar things. Thankks for sharing!
In one of the videos I watched, a panel speaker asked the question....."Who determines what is of value?" He answered his own question..."Whites want everything BUT THE BURDEN & RESPONSIBILITY." I would add to that awareness....."Many, if not most of the mental health issues whites have had to deal with from one generation to the next are connected to the reality that they "want everything but not the burden & responsibility". Whites don't want any limitations placed on THEIR FREEDOM. In a nutshell, it's called "greed", intertwined with many other factors.
Thank you for saying this. It really helps me conceptualize better and see where that “burnout” may really be stemming from. I will definitely examine that more in myself.
Module 3 has a lot of rich material in it for which I am grateful.
Many people do not understand the concept of interdependence. Many do not want to understand it because they have been conditioned and trained to "thrive" in their notion of separation. There is a great and profound truth in MLK, JR's words shared in one of the videos....."Until you are all you can be, I will never be all I can be". Wake up white people because always trying to keep POC's down-out-invisible-etc. only serves to keep YOU down-out-invisible,etc. HELLO!!! The other side of the coin is full of truth also. "Until POC's are all they can be, white people will never be all they can be." Keep waking up POC's, You have a tremendous wealth to bring to the table but watch out, don't let the whites steal it all from you.
i HAVE NO MORE COMMENTS TO MAKE. i'D LIKE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH mODULE 3
After watching the first few videos about toxic white guilt, i find myself questioning every choice i've made- along the same lines as the argument "can true altruism exist".... all of my motivations are in question.
Holly,
I have encountered the same thing, both at the beginning of my anti-racism work, and still throughout as I grow. I have been subject to call outs many times, and sometimes I have indeed messed up, but in every case, when your intentions are called into question either by another person, or just through the normal processing of your own behavior, it is a challenge. It is good that you are reflecting, and no matter how far along you are in this process, it will continue to be an important part of the work.
Letting it not paralyze you is the key. Take it in stride as an opportunity to just become more conscious of what you are doing, and why you are doing it. You are doing great work already.
I'm a proponent and ally of anti-racism. As a minority myself I cannot stand anywhere of racism occurring. For example, an article today in Task & Purpose (new media agency for the military) discussed about how lawmakers are trying to push for the removal of Nazi graves and tombstones found within graves of the United States Army Veterans. You would not believe the amount of support people are saying to keep the graves there as historical preserved sites. However, if it weren't for today's Neo Nazis plaguing the conservative political viewpoints of right winged organizations, perhaps my own standpoint of removing those graves might change.
Now i'm not saying remove history, but Nazi tombstones with Nazis have no right to be buried in American grave sites. If that was the case, many american soldiers should have been left buried in Afghanistan as a reminder to the enemy who we are (yet we don't do that because they are American). That being said, if we compare this scenario to the inequity of African Americans here in America, why is it that White Nazis and say, confederate soldeirs who are enemies to the United states) treated with more reverence and respect than those who were black panther or of other affiliated organizations? This is the injustice that honestly pisses me off and makes me wonder how blind many Americans are to the double standards that continue to be emulated in our political and social viewpoints.
In short, where is the balance between the two sides to talk about it and when is it appropriate? I love seeing the museum for African Americans being hosted to talk, and when it comes to my scenario, a similar thing should be done in hopes of talking and moving past history, but until that happens, people will continue to be blind to it, thus allowing Neo Nazis a continued voice in American society as well as biases.
What a powerful example from your own context. Thank you for sharing this..
This helped me to see how racism permeates our world today: "...African Americans have been living in a burning building for many years, choking on the smoke as the flames burn closer and closer. Racism in America is like dust in the air. It seems invisible — even if you’re choking on it — until you let the sun in. Then you see it’s everywhere. As long as we keep shining that light, we have a chance of cleaning it wherever it lands. But we have to stay vigilant, because it’s always still in the air." By: Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar Op-Ed, LAT 5/30/2020, "Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge" TYVM for offering anti-racist training - you're doing the hard and important and ever-shifting work of "getting the sun in." LINK: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-05-30/dont-understand-the-protests-what-youre-seeing-is-people-pushed-to-the-edge
I am very glad I watched this video when I did. This morning, I logged onto social media before starting work from home-every morning I love to sit with my coffee and scroll through Facebook-and I noticed something: My posts about my youngest daughter graduating elementary school-liked closed to 60 times, with many comments from friends and loved ones on the pictures I posted. My post about how heartbreaking it was to go pack my classroom and seeing my classroom looking like a ghost town-that got a lot of likes and comments. My posts on the issue of race and discrimination in this country-a handful of likes, and very few comments. I know that I can't judge people off of that-and I know that social media is saturated with posts about racism, white privilege, and people get overwhelmed by it and need a break. But it bothers me how everyone can share recipes and videos of cute kittens-but are less willing to share a post about racism. I seriously started wording a post in my head, how I would call people out (not specific people, of course). I like to sit and think long and hard before I go deep on social media-because it can be a powerful tool. And i don't want to cause hurt to the friends I have who do feel as I do but aren't sure WHAT to do. I am glad I watched this first.
I do experience guilt and shame. I have heard a racist joke and have said nothing. I'm disgusted by that-that I allowed my desire to "fit in" with a group to override my sense of morality.
I had a talk with a friend yesterday. She said that she feels white people need to speak up more. She said the message coming from her, a black woman, won't be as powerful-because everyone expects her to share the message. But if I share it-I will reach more people-I have more white friends, people will deem it more important if a person who is largely unaffected by the topic is passionate enough about it. I told her-maybe, but many white people feel they aren't "supposed" to share the message-they're uncomfortable because they don't relate to the struggles so they feel it "isn't their place". But it is! It is everyone's "place" to advocate for those who need support and love. I have friends who won't touch this issue on social media because they don't feel they should speak for a group they don't belong to. Which I do understand...but one of these friends also spoke out strongly when Brock Turner (white man) was minimally punished for raping a woman. My friend has never been a victim of sexual assault. She protested. She wrote letters and petitions. She was LOUD-and rightfully so. I asked her why she openly stood behind that cause when she wasn't directly affected in that same way-but can't do so here. She had no answer.
Your story about the woman protesting Brock Turner's sentence cracks me up. That is, that she had no comment. I find this question -- of what a person's "place" is in terms of speaking or writing or acting for or against something -- to be the thing that really sticks in my craw. The argument over the book "American Dirt" I think was ridiculous (disclaimer: I know the author) -- saying that people can't write about things if it concerns a social group they are not a part of . . . that kind of shut down is really harmful, and keeps people from expanding their awareness and imaginations, for fear they will step onto someone's "turf". But that being said, the issue of talking over POC, dominating conversations, imposing ourselves as white people . . . that's real. It's just a constant tension between the two. In my opinion.
About white exceptionalism, guilt and shame. I often think about what my parents, my grandparents and my other ancestors did, especially when it comes to colonization. I am Brazilian but my grandmother was Portuguese, and she may have immigrated to Brazil at a young age, but who knows other members of our family did back then. The Portuguese did horrific things to Brazilian natives and people brought to Brazil as slaves from Africa. So, just like here in the U.S., our past is not somethings we can be so proud of. So, yes, I have experienced white guilt, especially when I am talking to or learning about a black or native person's terrible experiences because of racism, knowing that where I am right now is a privileged place compared to them. But because it's impossible to erase the past, I can only look at what happened and at I have done in the past and learn from it, change my attitude, move on and be proactive in bringing change.
About the ally continuum. Last month, I was "aware" but now I am "active". I have learned so much since I read the book White Fragility by Robin Diangelo. Now, I am taking this training, I have also watched a few documentaries such as 13th on Netflix. I have been following a lot of black content creators and pages dedicated to social justice. I have been talking to my husband about it and now he is on his journey to become an ally. We are both helping small black owned business in our area and donating to some causes. I do hope we both evolve to one day become "advocates". We still have a long way to go, but at least now we know which direction to go.
My last reflection. I feel more prepared to engage in racial conversations; I will definitely be more thoughtful about what I say and how I say it. Better than that, I will try to listen more and to receive feedback. The PDFs were really helpful, so I uploaded them to my drive so I can have it as a resource for myself and other people.
Something I'm questioning a lot with in my allyship currently is the idea that holding my tongue is a privilege in white spaces, but also I don't want to steamroll or cause more harm in predominately white spaces. I have a personal background and life history that has taught me to default to the freeze response in conflict or situations of doubt, not just in this work, but in general. I think a big part of my journey is learning how to speak in the moment without it having to be the "perfectly correct" comment to open up dialogue, with an understanding that perfectionism is believed by some to be a tool of white supremacy. Grace and forgiveness of self is probably incredibly important in these conversations, because someone along the way will disagree or get upset or something--that means I'm taking the risk. I often assume I'm going to get it wrong before opening my mouth, or get too intellectual in my head--playing out scenarios or questioning the questions I'm questioning, which is something else to question (ha, there I go again) on this lifelong journey.
Thank you for the handouts. I work with college students, and I think that I'll keep copies of them in my office--or have them so that I can forward them to my students. Often I have interactions like the young man did with "Tim," where students presume they can come and complain to me about their non-canonical literature instructors (most of whom are Black or Latino) and that I'll side with them in their displeasure about being made uncomfortable about discussions of white privilege. I feel better equipped to help them understand that learning is uncomfortable and that they may actually have biases and hold racist ideologies that they deny. Thank you for making this training available to the general public.
Where am I on the Allyship continuum?
I would self-assess I am somewhere between aware and active. I continue to read, continue to learn, continue to listen to the voices of BIPOC (even the BIPOC voices that are speaking contrary to the BLM movement - i.e. Candace Owens, which is difficult and contrary to my beliefs). I find myself stalling out...I find myself in a place that is difficult to transition to Advocate because of fear. As I reflect on shame and guilt, I think the fear that is grounded in shame and guilt for what I've done or said in the past and then fear to make those mistakes or other mistakes.
As an advocate for victims of sexual violence, I know and understand what is means to advocate...I need to let go of the shame, guilt, and fear and just jump. The BIPOC members of my community deserve support, love, understanding, and people with privilege to address the systemic issues within our community surrounding race and identity. My question, how does one do that and not be seen as disingenuous and/or like I'm trying to "save" people.
Wow...the videos on being an ally, combating fear, finding connection through lived experiences to talk to others about oppression, prejudice, and racism were powerful. I've saved them to watch again, each packets of nuggets of truth and knowledge. This section is by far the section I've taken the most notes - much to my comments as shared earlier about allowing fear to pull me away from being the best advocate I can be. I share often during my presentations on sexual violence education that "violence thrives in silence"...I need to take this mantra and apply it to speaking up against racism, oppression, and injustice.