The beginning of 2020 brought a lot of uncertainty with the looming pandemic. But one of the most heartbreaking and eye-opening events of 2020 was the movement of support against racial and social injustice. With the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks, people across the country, us included, were outraged and moved to get involved. In June, we put together this anti-racism resource guide, but the education and activism is a lifelong process. We have no plans to take our foot off the gas in 2021, and we hope you don’t either. Here are some ways for you to stay involved, keep the momentum going and continue pushing for change.

Continue educating yourself

I highly recommend subscribing to Anti-Racism Daily, a newsletter by Nicole Cardoza. I’ve been subscribed and a patron for six months now and it’s one of the most valuable things I’ve ever done for myself. Each day, she sends out an incredibly comprehensive newsletter on topics from understanding intergenerational trauma to respectfully using emojis and gifs. I highly recommend it no matter where you are in your anti-racism education. You can check out some of our other favorite resources here.

Join/Start a diversity committee at work

If you’re struggling to step outside your comfort zone, this is an easy way to take action. It doesn’t take much effort to join a diversity committee at your workplace, but it does send a signal to those around you that you have some level of empathy and interest. Participating on a diversity committee doesn’t just create opportunities to meet new people; it also provides an opportunity to learn a lot and begin to see issues from a different perspective.

Have the hard conversations

Talking about racial and social injustice is uncomfortable. Get familiar with calling out racism when you see it and condemning it, whether when talking to your kids, your in-laws or your coworkers. Look, it’s not enough to post a black square on your grid or comment support on a BIPOC’s social media post. That’s the bare minimum and doesn’t deserve a pat on the back. Real change happens when we are willing to stick our neck out and say something publicly.

Let people know that even offhanded or “joking” racist comments are not OK. Don’t be afraid to engage in conversations with loved ones, coworkers and friends. Microaggressions, which can appear in the form of racist jokes or statements, perpetuate and normalize biases and prejudices. Remember that not saying anything – or laughing along – implies that you agree.

Use your voice to create an open, non-adversarial environment with those who know and trust you. 

Take a training course

Race Forward offers a series of interactive trainings that emphasize how to challenge and change institutional race inequalities. In this two-part virtual series, participants will:

• learn how to build a clear understanding of key concepts such as racial equity and structural racism
• learn how to talk about race constructively within their organizations and with their constituents
• gain tools and practices for counteracting racial bias in their work and practices
• identify opportunities and next steps for applying concepts and strategies to advance racial equity
• learn tools and analysis we will need to effectively shift power for racial justice within our institutions, policies and lives

Support BIPOC-owned businesses

Use your dollars to put your money where your mouth is. Research the practices of companies that you invest in and the charities that you donate to. Make an effort to shop at BIPOC businesses and give your money back to the people living in the community. The importance of shopping and supporting BIPOC-owned businesses can’t be overstated. Make it a point in 2021 and beyond to continuously shop and support Black-owned businesses. If you can’t afford to use your actual dollars, support them by following them on social media, engaging with their content and leaving positive reviews.