White Folks Facing Race: Summer Challenge

[This is part of my White Folks Facing Race series, originally written on July 10, 2019 to an email group created for community members in the Washington, DC area.]

Hi Friends!

I hope everyone weathered the storm safely. One of our group members shared news of the damage to the Halls Hill “segregation wall,” which I hope will continue to be preserved as a reminder of our history (in addition to the marker that was erected). And speaking of preserving history, there’s a hearing on designating Barry Farm in DC a Historic Landmark (July 11 12:30–5:00 pm).

I know it’s early, but back to school support is already needed for vulnerable families in Arlington:
- Doorways is sponsoring a Back to School Campaign and there are several ways to contribute
- APAH has started its backpack donation program (drop off the week of July 22)

So many interesting news and other resources lately:
- The Washington Post’s Donna St. George wrote a story about the criminalization of students who make silly mistakes (or adults who incorrectly interpret a situation), which more often happens to children of color, even in Arlington;
- Montgomery County is evaluating its school boundaries (anyone else break out in hives just thinking about it?) and the comments and resistance are familiar;
- Equity and homelessness resources (from Doorways’ recent newsletter) include the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ “Using Data to Promote Equity: The Demographic Data Project” and Safe Housing Partnerships’ study of the intersections between homelessness and domestic and sexual violence survivors and their families;
- And, conversations about busing have been all over the news lately after the Democratic debates.

Upcoming events THIS WEEK:
- SURJ is hosting an all-chapter call to celebrate its 10-year anniversary on July 14
- Lights for Liberty is hosting a vigil in DC on July 12 to protest the human detention camps and the administration’s immigration policies

Challenge for July: Summer is a great time to meet people you’re likely never going to see again. Take a chance and find a way to bring up your anti-racism work (or things you’ve been learning about racism, privilege, etc.) in a conversation with a new (white) acquaintance and see what happens. In my experience, it’s generally positive! I’d love to hear about your experiences!

Emily
Listen. Amplify. Follow.