Courtesy photo
Rose Barboza
Updated: March 8, 2021
How To
How to approach antiracism efforts with intent and high expectations
By Rose Barboza and Jerry Edwards
Q: Our organization stands in solidarity with ‘minority’ communities including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We want to do more but are unsure where to begin.
A: We suggest that you start by discontinuing use of the word minority. Merriam-Webster defines the term as “the smaller number or part, especially a number that is less than half of the whole Number.” Although you might intend to simply reference demographic reality, many people latch onto the “smaller” or “lesser” portion of the definition. America has a long history of using coded and signaling language to designate second class citizens. This is why we find modern use of ‘minority’ insufficient, and lacking the nuance deserved by the humans being referenced.
Persistently using inadequate language creates confusion about any subject — and confusion often leads to an atmosphere of inaction. Racial equity is difficult, and does not occur when avoidance and inaction are viewed as normal. Instead of repeating this mistake, try using alternatives such as disenfranchised, underrepresented or underutilized (our personal favorite). The key is to step outside of racist and less-than-thoughtful language patterns and replace these patterns with action items.
We cannot recommend a single racial equity starting point for all organizations, but we can recommend a specific pledge and give examples of effective business behaviors. Organizations such as Black Owned Maine give you a chance to sign the Maine Black Business Pledge. This pledge asks you to commit to a somewhat flexible financial or creative offering to Black businesses and individuals. Examples include consciously choosing who you offer pro-bono work to, offering pro-bono or discounted web development to Black organizations, dedicating at least 10% of shelf space to Black businesses, allocating yearly donations to Black founded nonprofits or offering free workshops to Maine’s Black community.
Actions: As you work to amplify BIPOC voices and strive for racial equity, be very careful about starting new programs focused on these communities. The Third Place founder Adilah Muhammad offered solid advice in a recent panel with CEI: “Do your research to ensure this work is not already being done by a BIPOC-run organization.”
Amplifying these voices is different from speaking up for these voices. If your idea is already being executed, find ways to partner with said organizations and amplify their message. Sometimes this means using your skillset to offer consulting, or offering financial support.
Remember that communities of color have been systemically set up for failure, in many ways. And they have not benefited from centuries of economic and cultural equity shared by those in white communities. In fact, the powerful resource of money is often the primary thing lacking in these community’s efforts.
Be sure you have done focused work on antiracism and decolonization BEFORE you engage actively with these communities. Note that we aren’t simply saying that you shouldn’t be racist, we mean to reference direct counteraction. You don’t need all the answers today, but we are asking you to take personal action before jumping into the fight. Make no mistake, the fight for racial equity is a real fight, and you will encounter people who want to stop this kind of progress.
Reading books and taking classes are critical, but ultimately if you see injustice, SAY SOMETHING and TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION. Use any privilege, persuasion, or pull that you have to make a true and lasting difference.
As an organization void of BIPOC individuals, you can and should proactively examine policies and SOPS, dress codes and attendance policies, searching for outdated and intentionally/unintentionally biased standards. Standards create workflow and culture. And even old, innocuous-seeming language can suddenly burst into newfound relevance, when tested say against a new Indigenous employee. Seriously, equity doesn’t have to be stumbled upon haphazardly — in fact, it never has been.
Antiracism takes work! We mean that with intent and with high expectations, respectfully. Let’s put in some work, together.
Editor's note: This column ran in an abridged version in the print edition.
Find more info about the Maine Black Business Pledge at blackownedmaine.com/maine-black-business-pledge or contact us at blackownedmaine@gmail.com.
Rose Barboza and Jerry Edwards are co-creators of Black Owned Maine, which manages a directory of Black organizations in Maine, fostering strategic partnerships, and consciously creating content.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments