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This week’s question is challenging for me. I’ve never considered myself racist because I don’t engage in overtly racist speech or behaviors, although I freely admit to implicit biases. I now know I cannot call myself anti-racist, however. I only heard the term a couple of weeks ago and have had to research to understand the difference between being non-racist and anti-racist. I would rather become the latter, but I know I’m not there yet. The question of how to get to that place is difficult, and one that will require several deliberate steps. I believe I’ve already begun, by asking questions and reading books and online material that helps explain how to overcome bias, which is present no matter how much we wish it wasn’t. I’ve downloaded several books on my Kindle that I think will help move me in the right direction. I’m almost finished with White Like Me, by Tim Wise who, by describing his life, describes well the points at which he benefitted from white privilege. It’s a concept I acknowledged I’d benefitted from, but having the details brought out help me to see very subtle examples that apply to my own life. It’s a start. One action I can take is to contribute to causes that work toward removing barriers to equality for all people. I’ve looked at a few and have already donated to and joined “Faithful America,” but will investigate others. Because I can only donate to a few, I want to be sure my contributions will be impactful. Another step I plan to take is to learn more about how my local government works so that I can become a more active participant in the way it treats its citizens. I get overwhelmed by the concept of reforming systemic problems, but I think I can have an impact if I stay close to home. These are only a few steps I can take now, but I expect as I learn and understand more about the injustices faced by my Black sisters and brothers, the next steps will become clear. --Janice
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January 2022
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