By, Melanie Rivard, LCSW
Fifty three years after his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is still relevant five decades after his untimely death. As Black Lives Matter protests continue throughout the world, all of us are being called to continue Dr. King’s work and take action against racism, systemic oppression, and excessive police brutality toward Black people. LexCounseling stands with the Black community. In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and in response to the continued violence and discrimination toward Black lives, here is a list of actions we can take as allies.
· Recognize and acknowledge racism still exists – As clearly illustrated by many different current events, such as the militarized response to BLM protests versus the privilege extended to those who recently stormed our capital, racism is alive and well. Non-Black communities must be willing to face the atrocities and listen without becoming defensive. Instead, it is important that non-Black people advocate both on a political and a personal level for people of color. Non-Black allies must develop curiosity around the history of racism, and conduct their own work to learn how they can help today.
· Listen – Black people have endured centuries of violence and systemic racism. When people of color discuss their experiences with racism and systemic oppression, it is necessary to listen and empower those voices- rather than deny them, talk over them, or ask them to do the emotional labor of explaining racism.
· Self-Reflect – As uncomfortable as it may be, take time to analyze and reflect on your own biases and implicit and explicit contributions to racism. What microaggressions, no matter how innocently intended, contribute to making Black people uncomfortable? If you are unsure, check out this article: https://www.vox.com/2015/2/16/8031073/what-are-microaggressions.
· Learn the history of racism – From the first arrival of Africans by boat in America in 1619 to the War on Drugs and beyond, racism continues to infiltrate our daily lives. The physical and emotional traumas endured by Black people include slavery, kidnapping, family separation, beatings, murders, unfair imprisonment, the school to prison pipeline, and many other forms of oppression spanning generations. Educating yourself on the history of racism will reveal just how deeply it is ingrained in our present society and why the current movement matters.
· Diversify – Commit to sharing educational resources on social media to increase visibility and encourage conversation. Make Black friends and support Black people, issues, businesses, and projects. Expand your media choices such as books, movies, and music to include Black voices.
· Speak out – Whenever and wherever you see racism, speak out! Casual and blatant racism is not to be tolerated. It may be uncomfortable to call out friends and family, but we must send the message that racism is never acceptable. Silence is complicity.
· Get involved – Attend protests, write to your legislators, make phone calls, donate to Black causes. Every effort contributes to bettering Black lives.
According to NobelPrize.org, “Between 1957 and 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. traveled over six million miles and spoke over twenty-five hundred times, appearing wherever there was injustice, protest, and action.” Today and every day, may we all be more like Martin Luther King, Jr. and have the boldness to speak up, speak out, and take action against racism and inequality.