‘We need white people to further this along’: What you can do to help fight systemic racism

CHARLOTTE — Black and white people must come together to have tough conversations that push us forward in order to make a true change in racial inequality.

[Day 5 of protests in Charlotte as hundreds march for equality, understanding]

“So many people don’t want to take that first step because they’re scared it’s not a big enough step,” said Jennifer Moxley, who helped organize a protest in Charlotte on Saturday calling on white allies to stand publicly for black lives.

Moxley, a white woman, also started a dialogue by partnering with Coach Cayme, a professional life coach, and black woman.

The two hosted a dinner called “Uncomfortable Privilege," bringing together white women and women of color, while empowering white women to use their privilege to be an ally.

“Our first uncomfortable privilege dinner taught us that white people were not ready to have conversations with people of color because we were so uneducated about how damaging our thoughts and lifestyles were to their mere existence,” Moxley said.

“It’s a very sobering moment but the reality is we need white people to further this along,” Coach Cayme added.

If you’re interested in learning more about the “Uncomfortable Privilege” virtual dinners, contact Coach Cayme.

In a letter Tuesday, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein called out systemic racism. He also called on white people saying, “We have to do the work."

Alexa Broderick is founder of The Equity Paradigm and curator for a series of workshops called the Racial Equity Learning Arc, also one of the resources suggested in Stein’s letter.

The workshops focus on racial awareness, analysis, action and accountability over six sessions.

“The same way you would develop a fiscal year strategic plan, you need to develop a strategic plan around racial equity,” Broderick said.

Stein provided the below resources for people looking to be part of the solution:

• Racial Equity Learning Arc
• We Are
• Unconscious Bias quiz

Protesters gather near Newton police station, walk through downtown Protesters gather near Newton police station, walk through downtown

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