Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock
Being “not racist” will no longer suffice. In a nation where Critical Race Theory and books on our nation’s history are questioned, it is clear that racism is still very much alive. Even amid a global pandemic that has continued to exacerbate inequities for Black communities, we somehow have found ways to reaccept racism in more ways than one. While we wish for this month to bring the recognition of African American contributions to our nation’s society, we cannot overlook how easy it is for organizations, institutions of education, and governing bodies to onslaught products, content, and performances to conveniently acknowledge a community that has been exploited to years of involuntary slavery and ongoing bigotry in numerous forms. It is time out for “non-racist” ideals, and it is past time for our nation to be anti-racist.
Black History Month’s role in tackling racial equality in a meaningful way is more crucial than ever. Why? During Black History Month (BHM), historical accomplishments by Black people are highlighted that have tragically been diminished and nearly overlooked as a result of systemic injustice and enduring racism. BHM is an approach to tackling racism; however, it will not be enough. Coupled with BHM;
- we must challenge the issues of abolishing history through books and conversations,
- we must work in solidarity and teach Black history,
- we must challenge discrimination and call out microaggressions,
- we must decolonize our practices and policies that uphold Whiteness,
- we must eradicate frameworks that withstand barriers that keep Black and Brown people out of positions of leadership, and
- we must choose to redefine freedom related to equality for all of humanity.
It will take far more than programming around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for our nation to eradicate systemic racism. Our understanding of Black history helps us become more aware of integration at the very core of our structures; it reveals that Black history is the fabric of what makes America who we are. Through BHM, reclaimed fragments of Black history can be decolonized; which encourages the empowerment of the Black community and forces white people to confront a reality of racism they would otherwise avoid. So, how is it that a nation that quotes Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) can turn around and ban books that tell the stories of blatant discrimination that MLK faced? Are we going back in time, or are we truly moving towards a more anti-racist nation? One that is equal for all. The fight for racial equality is exhausting. But imagine being Black and trying to prove your worth in exchange for equality.
How do we dismantle the systems and ideals that maintain racism?
As a rebellion against white supremacy, we accentuate Black achievement, Black contributions, and Black survival even outside of the month of February.
Here are a few things to think about as we move forward:
All of us must engage in anti-racist approaches. Deepen your anti-racist work to ensure that your activism does not “fit” into one month. We are in the middle of transformational change for our country. It will surely take each of us to make the change happen. Here are a few things to consider for constituents of the university:
Leadership
Many marginalized communities have been deprived of representation and support because of institutional and systemic barriers. This is not new research. Take a look at your administration, and you will see this loud and clear. However, be cautious in “diversifying” your administration without taking a look at your policies and procedures that keep these individuals fighting microaggressions and assuming the role of “the only one.” Actively work to dismantle racism within your environment across campus and lean in fully on becoming an anti-racist institution. Your constituents are counting on you.
Faculty
Integrate authentic experiences that are intentionally embedded in learning opportunities. Do not stray away from discussing real-world events outside of your classroom. Acknowledge the circumstances of our society that directly impact our classrooms. Our students should be empowered to make their own decisions regarding their learning to be authentic and personal. Taking action to promote change should also serve as the focus of our instruction. To cultivate their understanding of the systems of oppression and marginalization, organize spaces for students to question, analyze, and challenge racist structures.
Staff
Actively seek opportunities for knowledge. Staff are usually tasked with establishing workshops, events, conferences, and forums that discuss race-related topics. Creating space is a considerable task in establishing community and taking the necessary steps in dismantling racism. Within these spaces, demonstrate approaches to action. Often, what we see is the call to a more anti-racist democracy goes no further than conversation. Consequently, no course of action is produced, and therefore we become stagnant in our approaches to justice. Instead, in these spaces, ask the question: If moving towards an anti-racist democracy depended on you, how close are we?
Students
Hold yourself, friends, and family accountable. It’s bigger than all of us. Challenge yourself to engage in difficult conversations around race and racism. Do not stop there. Take the next step in finding your voice to speak up on the issues that affect our nation. Engage in race and ethnicity courses on your campus to grasp a deeper understanding of where we are as a country and what role you play in dismantling systems of oppression. It is important not to assume you know what marginalized communities are experiencing, especially if you are not part of that community yourself.
Anti-racist work takes a lifelong commitment to doing what is right. So, being “non-racist” will no longer be enough. Stop standing on the sidelines. And if we are going to quote MLK, with much respect, let’s remember this quote as it pertains to what side we should be on, “Noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good. … To accept injustice or segregation passively is to say to the oppressor that his actions are morally right.”
