Hey friends,

2020 sure is shaping up to be a record breaker. Who would have thought Tiger King would be the most normal chapter??

I came up against my white privilege again this week, as I think may of us did. For three days, I felt ALL THE FEELS: horror, fear- you name it, I had it.

Before I dig myself in a hole, let me be clear: I was horrified (once again) at police brutality against BIPOC, and I was afraid because I saw people I love being hurt while they stood up for the things we believe in: that black lives matter, Police brutality is atrocious and rampant in the united states, and change is long, long overdue.

If you're not aware: white privilege does not mean that I haven't had hardships, because I have. I don't come (or have) from money. I'm a woman (which is a whole other bunch of nonsense), etc. All the term 'white privilege means is that my skin color hasn't made my life harder. And that IS true. I've never had to worry about my white skin costing me a job, or being any kind of problem (other than a sunburn, but that's definitely not the same)

So today, I wanted to give you a few concrete, tangible tips to help you on your unlearning journey. As a reminder, PLEASE don't ask BIPOC to educate you- and if you do, PAY THEM. All of this information is available via google search. Not to mention what's listed below!

And so... here we go: how you can take your own action steps:

1. Do some reading. I'm reading "Becoming" by Michelle Obama and "How to Be an Anti-Racist" by Ibrahm X. Kendi

2. Do some listening. You know I love me some podcasts! I'm subscribed to "While Black", "1619", "Codeswitch" and "About Race".

3. Do some watching. "Just Mercy" "13th" and "Iam Not Your Negro" are good starts.

4. Do some donating. I'm giving 10% of my business income this month to the NAACP. Other ideas might be: Black Lives Matter, Campaign Zero, and the Equal Justice Inititaive.

5. Get comfortable with uncomfortable. There are two sub points here:

point a: Change only happens when we get uncomfortable. These resources will make you uncomfortable. That's the point. When you find yourself uncomfortable, ask yourself why. This is how we grow.

point b: This is an ongoing process. The discomfort you feel is a long term thing. One of the things I am learning this week is that allyship is an ongoing process that we commit to, not a destination we arrive at. That's an important distinction!

So there you have it. 5 ways to check yourself. This is important work, friends. I'm here in it with you. And I am so grateful for the incredible BIPOC that have helped me, taught me, and been patient with me over time. I'm gonna try to do better.

For more ideas- check me out @charisweible on Instagram.

Until next time,

Charis