Bring activism into a daily practice

blogging on creativity and being ✨

My main inquiry right now comes from this message from Ijeoma Oluo. How can I be in service right now? How can I be in service of Black liberation? From within myself, within my relationships, to supporting larger movements. There’s discomfort, confusion, and there is growth. Here are a few resources I’ve found helpful.

From Mireille Cassandra Harper, 10-steps to Non-Optical Allyship: “I wanted to provide those who wanted to support and be an ally with practical tips to move forward and make a change in our society.”

From Giselle Buchanan, I Want To Be An Ally But I Don’t Know What To Do: “It is in no way comprehensive but I am hoping it is a start on your Allyship journey. Some Black people may be willing to teach you, but please remember: it is not their job.”

A couple essays have stuck with me this past week. Barack Obama’s “How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change” and Shenequa Golding’s “Maintaining Professionalism In The Age of Black Death Is….A Lot.”

If you are able to, you can easily donate to several organizations fighting against racism and police brutality here.

I noticed that the Dalai Lama has been holding livestreams. This graphic novel about him includes the history of Tibet, the oppression of Tibetans, and his response over decades. It’s powerful seeing how he combines practice, being, and activism. As I explore this inquiry, there is so much I can learn, and it’s such a gift to find this series of dialogues scheduled.

Texting with my sister this week, she asked “what has been your self-care today?” after a heavy conversation. I have been returning to this question daily.

Over the last few weeks I’ve started to write a weekly note. This one is adapted from one emailed on 6/5/20.