This is Part 1 of a five day series: A Message To My White Friends- Practical Ways We Can Love Our Black Brothers and Sisters
There was a time I would have dismissed the cries of the black community. In my ignorance, I had assumed it was just another wave of protests that would soon quiet down. Although I told myself that I cared (which I always have, deeply), I was flawed in that I didn’t take the time to listen long enough.
Do you know the feeling of not being heard, really heard? Listened to long enough to get your voice out? That’s how the black community feels.
After the George Floyd killing, my heart started listening more. The Lord spoke to my heart through His Word and encouraged me to listen longer. There were too many outcries for me to not stop and listen.
And so, here I am; on my little blog that the Lord has allowed me the privilege to have. This message is for my white friends that are willing to open their hearts and listen a little longer. To think differently. Especially the ones that think racism still doesn’t exist. I encourage you to listen to these words from friends and family that live it. They have been personally affected by racism in America. Shouldn’t we listen long enough to the ones that are actually experiencing it? Let’s not dismiss their voice any longer!
So many people are still getting back to me, so I will divide their words into 5 different blog posts throughout this week. I hope you will please take the time to at least listen to their voice with an open mind and an open heart.
Jess Todryk
Befriend A Black Or Mixed Person
I see so many influencers or people who have cliques and there’s never any black people in their girl gang. Go out of your way to find a friend.
We’re Not All Uneducated
Speak to black people like you would speak to anyone else you respect.
Just Call Me Black
Person of color (in my opinion) is stupid. Black. Just call me black and say it with a smile.
Use Your Platform
If you have a platform, don’t just give shout outs to all of your other rich white friends. Go out looking for black ones! Black people already have to work three times as hard doing the same thing as white people but they get no credit or love.
Shawn Naylor
I know this is a very touchy time in regards to the US and Canada with his “race relations”. I guess I struggle with the perception that every white person is a racist. This is simply not true. To deny that racism doesn’t exist is to be ignorant. So it would be weird to do things to show that you’re not a racist. Unless you see yourself as a racist. Really boils down to the heart of the individual. And the way the individual receives whatever is given. For every reaction there is a history behind it. Nevertheless here are three things I think are paramount in shifting our perspective to the individual and not on some immutable characteristics i.e. skin color.
Education
Challenge what you have been taught and learn about others from people who don’t look like you. See other perspectives in the written history.
Address and Respond
When someone says something or your see something that is unjust call it out and restore it.
Intentional Relationship
Open yourself to a relationship with someone from a different culture with intention, not to convert but just to get to know.
Destiny
Get Uncomfortable
Call a black friend. Apologize for not understanding their daily struggle. This is reconciliation. This STARTS the healing process and opens up hearts.
Share Your Influence
If “a rising tide lifts all boats” you can easily bring your black sisters with you. White women we see you speaking up. We see you standing up. THANK YOU! But we need to see white men in leadership positions do the same. CEO’s, presidents, vice presidents, owners of big and small corporations, and local business men. Your voice needs to be heard. You set the tone for America and government systems. The very same systems that oppressed black people and POC (People of Color). People follow the leader. Speak out against the injustice that you are witnessing. Hold people accountable. Speak. No statements. Speak LIVE from the heart to your team, church members, organizations and the black community. We know your bottom line is on the line. We know you might get backlash. We want to see that #blacklives are more important than your likeness, reputation and wealth.
Reach Out To Black People You Know
Reach out and check in on them. They will most likely share their story, because you are ready to listen.
Fill Your Home With Positive Black Culture
Infuse/fill your home with positive black culture. Your kids need to see black people in your home in order to make a personal connection to the black community. This is going to take effort and it might be uncomfortable. Some easy/practical ways are to:
- Buy a black doll for your child.
- By black books for them to read.
- Hang black art.
- Watch black movies.
- Invite your black friends over.
Pray
It is the most important thing you can do. You and I are not fighting each other. We are fighting spiritual beings whose sole purpose is to whisper lies into our ears. To turn our hearts from love and progress into hate. Let’s not fall for that trap.
Please come back throughout this week to hear more of these beautiful voices!