One Anti-Racist Action You Can Take Today: Celebrate Black History Month By Doing The Work

Dear White People,

In honor of Black History Month we are calling on you to #DoTheWork! Let’s use the inspiration and words of Rachel Cargle, author and academic, to help us get started.

Rachel states “Once again, this Black History Month I’m not using my platform to teach. I’m directing, I’m demanding, and I am standing in high expectation for those who are existing within and benefiting from white privilege to #DoTheWork to:

1. Recognize and respect the dynamic history of the African American community.
2. Unlearn the worlds whitewashed understanding of Black existence.
3. Most importantly to make the critical connections necessary to take anti-racist action.”
   

So how do we get started? Glad you asked! If you don’t follow Rachel Cargle on Instagram, start there. Each day of Black History Month Rachel has committed to releasing a prompt. Then it’s up to us to research (we all use Google), learn or unlearn, and share the experience with others.

What about the Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers who don’t use Instagram?

Not to worry. You can participate too! Rachel was kind enough to release a PDF version of her prompts. She is encouraging public use of this document so that “individuals, communities, organizations, leaders and teachers can use the prompts with their platforms.” You can use the link below to access the document.

It’s time for us white people to #DoTheWork ourselves. Let’s honor and celebrate Black History Month together, by learning on our own.