10 WAYS TO AVOID RACISM

Seeing structural racism is a necessary first step. The original abuse of black people, which is the
basis upon which American racism is based, is better understood in historical perspective. It reveals the laws
and regulations that have been put in place to uphold white supremacy, as well as the cultural conventions
and norms that have resulted in anti-Blackness.
Learning about the unconscious and automatic ways racism manifests will aid in recognizing and
combating it. Participants in the challenge said that studying "lesser-known facts" has helped them not only
see and comprehend, but also take action against racism and anti-Blackness.

LEARN HUMILITY
Instead of hearing to respond, try to practice active listening by listening to comprehend. Do not
presume you know or understand the experiences of marginalized populations, especially those with whom
you do not identify, when you choose to interact. If others share their stories with you, be mindful to affirm
and validate them while remaining aware of the space you are occupying.

VALIDATE THE EXPERIENCES AND EMOTIONS OF PEOPLE OF COLOR

Exchange experiences and try sharing different perspectives to push yourself out of your comfort
zone and engage in conversations that challenge the way you perceive the world. Learning about other
people's lived experiences can help you see racial issues in a better perspective.

ENGAGE IN RACE AND ETHNICITY COURSES THROUGH DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS.

Take classes on race and ethnicity that aren't necessary for your major or field of study. Through
history inquiry, contemporary issues, and theory, you can obtain more in-depth perspectives and knowledge
of existing racial disparities by enrolling in classes you wouldn't otherwise attend

BE CONSIDERATE OF YOUR FINANCES.

Know the business procedures of the companies in which you invest and the charities to which you
donate. Make an effort to help tiny, neighborhood groups by donating your time and money. A list of local,
minority-owned organizations in your city or region may also be available.

CALL OUT RACIST "JOKES" OR STATEMENTS.

Make it clear that racist insults are no longer acceptable. If you aren't comfortable being aggressive
or if you don't feel safe being confrontational, try to deconstruct their thought procedure and ask questions.
Do not be apprehensive to engage in conversations with loved ones, coworkers, and friends.
Microaggressions, which can take the form of racist jokes or utterances, help to propagate and normalize
prejudices and biases. It's important to remember that not announcing something – or laughing along with it
– shows that you agree.

HOLD YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO A HIGHER STANDARD.

Challenge yourself to engage in respectful conversation with people close to you when they make
problematic comments by actively listening and utilizing the Explore, inquire and ask questions,
Acknowledge their feelings, Restate what they said to check for accuracy, Exploring Solutions
together.

CHALLENGE THE "COLORBLIND" IDEOLOGY

It's a popular dream that we'll always live in a "post-racial" world where people "don't notice
color," but maintaining a "colorblind" ideology unquestionably adds to prejudice. Racism cannot be
eradicated without first accepting the existence of race. Being "colorblind" overlooks a large part of a
person's identity and downplays the genuine injustices that many people endure as a result of race. Color
discrimination must be recognized in order for us to work together for fairness and equality.

ADOPT AN INTERSECTIONAL STRATEGY IN ALL FACTORS OF YOUR LIFE.

Keep in mind that all forms of oppression are linked. You can't fight against one type of injustice
while ignoring the others.
PROMOTE EQUALITY
All persons must be treated equally, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion,
ability, age, or any combination of these factors. To fight for fairness is to support equality. It is to recognize
that in order to achieve equity, remedial action is required.

UNDERSTAND WHAT’S PRIVILEGE IS AND OWN IT

It's about being able to exist in a world where your skin color isn't the first thing that people notice
about you. It's about being able to exist in a world where your skin color isn't a barrier to your success. It's
about being able to live in a world where you can invade a state capitol armed and dangerously without a
cop kneeling on your neck for more than eight minutes. It is unjust to expect men and women of color to
carry these burdens every day, to fight the same battles over and over again. At the very least, as you acquire
them, acknowledge the advantages of being fair. It's the only way to start redistributing power.

Even if you've spent your whole life believing you love everyone equally, you may have
discovered that some of your beliefs about people are actually rooted in racism. It can feel really
uncomfortable at first, but learning to recognize these assumptions is an important first step toward
overcoming them. It might not happen overnight, but if you stay committed to rejecting these
stereotypes, you can become a powerful ally against racism.