In this video, I share some thoughts about happened recently in my long-time home of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the following protests and riots around the world. Along with some personal thoughts, I ask a few questions and give considerations about what it means to be a stronger (yet imperfect) ally.
While there is incredible momentum in demanding change right now, we need to look at what we can continue to do.
Here are some video highlights:
- Our experiences in life largely come down to what we pay attention to. We cannot pay attention to what we’re not aware of, what we don’t see, or what we willingly ignore.
- George Floyd’s unjust death has led to more attention on the structural racism that has existed for hundreds of years, and with that attention comes needed change.
- Let’s hold space for potentially uncomfortable conversations so we can be more aware of what’s going on and adapt. Just because we haven’t seen it, doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
- As a white ally, it’s not about feeling guilty for the color of my skin, but reflecting on ways it has benefited me in life while understanding that there might be many I’m completely unaware of.
- As we move forward, we can focus on the small but consistent ways we can continue to learn and direct our attention beyond the defaults so that we grow to be stronger allies.
- How can we work to create a diverse environment where everyone can speak up about issues and feel safe while doing so?
- Despite having always considered myself an ally, I still have a lot of work to do when it comes to understanding my implicit bias, anti-racism, and what I do to grow my practice.
- Black Lives Matter, and if they don’t—all lives cannot matter.