These are unique times we are living in. The world as we know it maybe taking some possibly dire turns for people of color (POC). Here are some practical suggestions from one of our thought leaders on how we can provide support to make things better and bolster already on-going efforts.
Practice empathy by exercising your civic imaginations to walk in the sometimes strapless boots of POC where you can see the true challenges, barriers and realities.Tithe offerings to youth, students and parents that defray cost for summer camp, sports teams, band instruments, art supplies, tutors, foreign exchange opportunities. Compensate professionals, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs with higher wages, tips, bonuses and grants for good labor, great service and demonstrated return on investment.
Teach yourself and other people about cultural, economic and political history, events or movements (civil rights, slave trade, cointelpro, etc.) that still impact the quality of life for POC today.
School your contemporaries about the "seductive, mythical, neutrality" of accessibility and the space it creates for uncomfortable issues to go unaddressed about POC.
Participate with your presences when POC gather to express grief, dissent, or indignation at meetings, protests, and rallies where the attendance of people can add weight to the communications expressed.
Oppose how POC are relentlessly and routinely made the "other" by being dismissed, deemed invisible or denied humanity.
Speak against injustices and traumatic public events to POC with emails, letters, speeches, commentary on the airways, cyberspace, halls and courthouses.
Visit schools, jails, churches, museums, cultural centers to share your resources, expertise, insight or just your affirming concerned presence, word or encouragement.
Understand the difference between coming to this country and acquiring citizenship by voluntary immigration versus involuntary relocation and how it influences POC.
Source: Tears We Cannot Stop, Michael Eric Dyson
