![]() So, instead of trying to place yourself in a space where Black folx seek support, go invest your energy into dismantling the systems that cause the harm that warrants the need for closed spaces. □□: Great, you are welcome to subscribe or generously tip my open content-sharing space, Salt Box.įYI: Access to this room in my house is not necessary to facilitate your anti-racism allyship journey. □□: But Kimberley, I am not Black and want to support your equity-focused dialogue. If you are unapologetically Blackity Black and can hold space to support other Black folx who have both similar and markedly different experiences than your own, bring your bonnet and join me at The Lunch Counter. Young Black folx and parents who look young enough to be their child's sibling. The Lunch Counter is a dedicated space for:īlack introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts.īlack weave queens, box braiders, and wig wearers.īlack folx who are newly exploring their Blackness. Thick, thin, short, or tall, if you are Black, I welcome you all. ![]() This space is designed by and for those who are:īlack and spiritual, religious, or non-denominational. If you are Black and are cool with interacting with all of our intersections therein, join the mailing list for The Lunch Counter. While there is no one definitive solution, some of the challenges bestowed upon us can be alleviated via constructive discussion away from "the gaze." Black people need a space to talk about being Black at work, especially if we are one of few or an only. So what are Black folx to do? Where can we armour up to navigate predominantly white work settings? How do we fend off the "mistakes" made by those still "listening and learning?" And, how do we co-exist with harmful co-workers who try to objectify us as tools to support their painfully basic lessons in humanity? Self-declared allies get upset, shout out their commitment to change, and generally lose interest in 12-18 months once the headlines fade. Although every generation has witnessed a concrete demonstration of white patriarchal violence which has created pockets of newly aware white people, their movements go nowhere substantial as those with power sit in awe of all the history they intentionally repeat. Racism is an institutionalized scourge that only white people can collectively eradicate. Racism is a vile ideology constructed with the express purpose of elevating whiteness, and for over 400 years, white folx have "unconsciously" enjoyed the systems that prioritize their existence within a meritless social hierarchy. Aspiring allies and the willfully ignorant have A LOT of work to do. Those who demanded education are now "shocked" to see how their normalized behaviours toward non-white folx are exclusionary and xenophobic. Really? As if their failure to obtain a lifetime of self-education was somehow my responsibility.īefore 2020, white workers worldwide failed to see the racism right in front of them, and they ridiculously thought posting black squares on social media for a day would be enough. Many of my former co-workers now proudly proclaim themselves as allies and believe that they would have offered their help back in the day if only I had informed them. Instead of being appropriately handled, the most egregious incidents were passed off as a figment of my perception or an "innocent misunderstanding." Clients and staff would say racist things, and there was nowhere to go for support. Before working for myself, I held several roles in predominantly white workspaces.
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