#theconciouskid

[ztafraternity]

Assess your privilege. Be an ally.

By Suzanna Johnson, Province President, Inclusion Committee Member (Beta Psi alumna)

First and foremost – this post is specifically about how to be an ally to our black sisters. Many of the suggestions and ideas in this article can and should be applied to allyship for ANY marginalized group. But before someone responds to my thoughts and position that as an organization, we need not be afraid to say #BlackLivesMatter, with an “All Lives Matter” response, please know we are specifically discussing allyship to the black community. Yes, it goes without saying that all lives matter, but right now, in this time, our black sisters need the floor and the support (#sorrynotsorry). I recognize that for many, this topic and these conversations are difficult, but because our organization desires to continue to “enrich and ennoble our lives,” these words must be shared. 

*This article is based on my opinions and my research and is not comprehensive of all opinions within the entire black community. If you’re ever unsure about what more you can do, don’t be afraid to ask or have the conversation with communities you’re looking to serve as an ally.*

What is happening right now?

Racial injustice and police brutality, which stem from a history riddled with systemic, structural, institutional and individual racism and white supremacy, plague this country. Why should Zetas care? Well, as a fellow sister once said in her blog, Cultures are not costumes and why Zetas should care, “caring for others is the foundation that our sisterhood is built on.”

Pictured: #SayTheirNames: This graphic displays a portion of the people of color who have died as a direct result of police brutality since 2014. (source)

Yes, historically, like many other predominantly white organizations, our sisterhood and organization did not welcome black women and other women of color when it was founded. But, our sisterhood and organization has changed since 1898. And I’m proud of the steps, however small, because but for those steps, I wouldn’t be a member; I wouldn’t be an advisor; I wouldn’t now be one of the first black National Officers for our organization. 

I hope that Maud, Della, Mary, Ethel, Helen, Frances, Ruby and the Alices would be proud of the progress we’ve made as an organization. I hope that they would look at our membership of over 275,000 women strong and beam with excitement at the diversity we’ve achieved thus far and push us to continue to do better—to make the stand that #BlackLivesMatter. So, while we historically were an organization built by and for a single race, my friends, “times they are a changin’,” and as Zetas we owe it to ourselves and our organization to evolve.  

I realize you may have questions about how to be a good ally. I’ll answer a few key questions in each of the following sections.

What key terms should you know?

So, let’s learn some key words/terms you’ve probably heard but never had broken down for you (at least not like this).

What is individual racism?

This is most easily explained as the default definition when you think of “racism.” It is the individual beliefs or behaviors and racist assumptions, which are often reinforced by structural racism (see below). Examples are often seen in the form of racist jokes or comments that someone believes in the inherent superiority of white people over all people of color (source) —which leads us to….

What is white supremacy?

If you’re like me, graphics are always easier to process, so here’s the best way I can explain it, with some help from the experts. The graphic addresses white supremacy through the lens of social norms. Note that all examples in the graphic fall under the category of white supremacy and are unacceptable practices. 

(image source)

What is systemic/structural/institutional racism? 

These are policies and practices in established institutions resulting in the exclusion of designated groups. (source) 

What does this mean?!?

Well, in layman's terms, it means that as a result of U.S. history and continued ideologies, your black sisters are set up (unless something changes), to be forever marginalized as a group within society.

Don’t believe me?

Here are the facts:

The black unemployment rate is twice that of whites. (source)

Job applicants with “white sounding” names get called back 50% more often than applicants with “black sounding” names, even when they have identical resumes. (source)

Black students are three times more likely than white students to be suspended for the same infraction. (source)

Blacks make up 13% of the population and represent 40% of the prison population. (source)

When black people are convicted, they are 20% more likely to be sentenced to jail time and typically see sentences 20% longer than those for whites who are convicted of the same crimes. (source)

More than 7.4% of the black population is disenfranchised (stripped of the right to vote) as a result of felony convictions versus 1.8% of the non-black population. (source)

Black women are four times more likely to die from childbirth. (source)

For every $100 in white family wealth, black families hold $5.04. (source: New York Times via the U.S. Census Bureau)

For every $100 white families earn in income, black families earn $57.30. (source: New York Times via the U.S. Census Bureau)

Black drivers are 20% more likely to be pulled over than whites. (source)

I’ve included a graphic from @theconciouskid, designed by @courtneyahndesign below, which further demonstrates what systemic racism looks in society. Click here to see the full series.

What can you do?

You’ve got the hard facts. Now, what can you do to help effect change?

Educate yourself

If you’re a collegian…

Read books/articles/watch documentaries. This list from Time is a great place to start. Check out these films: 13th on Netflix (Ava DuVernay), When They See Us on Netflix (Ava DuVernay), and The Hate U Give on Hulu (George Tillman Jr.)

Have conversations. Proactively talk with your family, friends and community leaders about these issues. Hold your friends and family accountable when they perpetuate anti-black ideologies.

Utilize the upcoming resources from ZTA’s Inclusion Committee.

Hold events on campus with National Pan-Hellenic Council groups that bring awareness to these issues. For anyone who is unsure what organizations are under NPHC, here you go.

If you’re an alumna, your life looks a little different than a collegian’s, but what you can do to effect change includes all the above, plus ONE MORE THING…

Talk to your children early. There it is: Educate your children and raise them to be advocates.

This graphic explains how children learn about race and can help guide your discussions.

This article gives great advice about how to talk about race with children.

Recognize your privilege

Understand the definition of white privilege. Again, here I have to defer to some well-created graphics to easily explain this concept. Check out the graphic below for a quick explanation and see the full series here

Like this article says, “Accept the reality of this country’s dynamics.” The sooner we accept it, the sooner we can change it. Let’s not be ostriches with our heads buried in the sand.

Use your privilege to fight with and for those who are marginalized.

STOP appropriation

The Cambridge Dictionary defines appropriation as “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture.” 

STOP picking apart pieces of black culture whenever you want to benefit yourself financially or gain likes on social media.

Examples: Wearing darker/tanner makeup to make yourself look darker, putting your hair in cornrows, wearing a weave or any historically black hairstyles.

Check out this article and this article with some more specific examples and explanations of what has been called “blackfishing” on Twitter.

LISTEN!

Listen to podcasts like “The Nod,” “Code Switch” and “Come Through with Rebecca Carroll.” Check out this list to find even more options.

“Uplift the voices and experiences of people of color so that we are not continuously drowned out and ignored.” (source)

Remember, it is NOT our responsibility to educate you on these topics simply because we are black. 

Donate

https://blacklivesmatter.com/

https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home

https://www.naacpldf.org/

https://www.themarshallproject.org/donate

https://bailproject.org/

https://www.cuapb.org/what_we_do

https://www.knowyourrightscamp.com/

And many others….

Stay informed

#RocktheVote and choose to support and elect officials who have a track record of ensuring the most marginalized among us are heard and advocated for.

Follow social media pages like: @theconsciouskid and @rachel.cargle

Follow the relevant hashtags: #BlackLivesMatter #AhmaudArbery #JusticeForFloyd

Still have questions?

Here are some more great resources for you.

Join our Panhellenic friends at Delta Gamma Fraternity for a talk about the impact of microaggressions on June 10 at 8 p.m. EDT. Register here.

Read about white anti-racism in this Q&A style article.

This is a list of 75 things white people can do for racial justice. 

Learn more about being a strong ally with these racial equity tools.

Spend some time on the NAACP website. Click around and learn more about racial inequality, how to be a good ally and more. 

[insanityclause]

Ryan Reynolds had a post on his instagram about TheConciousKid that linked to their IG account. The post is now gone but the IG account has a post thanking him if you check before that disappears as well. Tom follows Ryan so probably saw the post and likely this is a BML related follow. He's also had BML related like's on instagram this month.

That’s probably it, then. 

[voncrobead]

Reposted from @serendipitouswool Will be doing this in my stories and posts. BLACK LIVES MATTER BLACK OUT WHITE NOISE Please use #AmplifyMelanatedVoices and share #BlackEducators #BlackBusiness Image Description: Words read #AmplifyMelanatedVoices @mspackyetti @ibramxk @wkamaubell @osopepatrisse @tamikadmallory @blklivesmatter @naacp @rachel.cargle @ihartericka @ajabarber @sonyareneetaylor @shishi.rose @leesareneehall @laylafsaad @theconciouskid - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/CA8qEYBJCgu/?igshid=125bw1h891qak

[angelbooks]

Another reminder that as we enter 2021 focus on the things that matter. The external stuff may or may not be great BUT the power of your mind is KEY. Lets have goals that will have a positive impact through education, books, creativity, influence, mentoring and more. journey to that finished product. #ownitbabe #business. 🥳 #reflection  #blackbusiness #confidence #children #blackheathlondon #theconciouskid #onlinebookclub #Winter #afroribooks #the_world_of_illustrations #childrensbookillustration #goodreads #booksfortopics #black_in_business_uk #childrensblackhistory #childminders #black_in_busness_uk #rye_books #childrensreading #onlinebookclub #afroibooks #booksfordiversity #schoollibraries #eyfs #equality #newyear #childrensbookshoplondon #booksfordiversity #loveyourself https://www.instagram.com/p/CJiwy1LrGG4/?igshid=ufytqn5lw3ww

[angelbooks]

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[angelbooks]

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https://youtu.be/7wAsM53mL2w

Read quotes from parents and teachers on amazon or www.angelbooks.net/

This book is a MUST

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[angelbooks]

Watched this last night birthday family time with some nice Chinese. This is brilliant, storyline, acting, singing. Powerful storyline and very well moving. This amazing woman lived into her 90's and trusted God every step of the way eventhough as a child she had her skull cracked open. Its rated a 12 and well worth a family viewing. #harriet #harriettubman #blacklivesmatter #family #joeawyn #the blackbritish #theconciouskid #learning.through.culture #fireworks #Winter #bhm #blackfilmsmatter #cynthiaerivo #the_world_of_illustrations #blackhistory #black_in_business #netflix #sky #amazon #blackhistorywalks #afroribooks #mattleehunter #childrensblackhistory #ukblackcommerce #childrensfiction #beautifullydonedrapery #childrensbookshoplondon #filmsinstram #allblackillustrations #history (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIIjj2LpiPd/?igshid=42rsnbt4alkl

[angelbooks]

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[angelbooks]

C O M P E T I T I O N

You could win a childs👕, love my hair🖊or copy of the 📚.

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[angelbooks]

C O M P E T I T I O N only a few days left to enter 🧐

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IN THE COMMENTS ADD YOUR QUOTE TO WIN *What is she saying📢?*

Closing date 16th Dec

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[angelbooks]

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[angelbooks]

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