This time last week, I was planning to write a blog post about my ‘affordable’ home garden. Today, it would be irresponsible to write about anything other than what we can do as white people to support Black Americans.

I don’t have the words, but others do. And I don’t want to sit by and be complacent when racism exists.

So, first, let me share some images and words from some influential activists that may resonate with you.

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A post shared by Winston Duke (@winstoncduke) on May 29, 2020 at 2:21am PDT

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A post shared by Shelby Hull (@shelby_hull) on May 28, 2020 at 9:18pm PDT

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A post shared by DANIELLE COKE (@ohhappydani) on May 6, 2020 at 10:42am PDT

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A post shared by Rachel Elizabeth Cargle (@rachel.cargle) on May 26, 2020 at 5:16am PDT

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A post shared by The Conscious Kid (@theconsciouskid) on May 26, 2020 at 5:35pm PDT

And now, let me share some ways you can help. 

#1. Donate to an organization

Find an organization that helps. If you are financially able, support them with your money to continue to put in the hours and work that you may not be able to. So many charities and not-for-profits need our help, and as white people, this is a great place to start. Donating is an appropriate action we can take, and does a hell of a lot more than hashtags, shock and outrage. 

Here is a list of organizations you can donate to:

• The Marshall Project

• Minnesota Freedom Fund

• Black Lives Matter

#2. Openly discuss the topic with family and friends

Will it be uncomfortable? If you let it, yes. But without these discussions in our communities, we are avoiding a reality that deserves the conversation. Without open dialogue, we are choosing to avoid a severe issue actively. If you don’t do anything, you are adding to the problem.

Here are some prompts to start the discussion:

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A post shared by Lisa Olivera (@lisaoliveratherapy) on May 28, 2020 at 11:33am PDT

#3. Educate yourself (without help)

Like anything, it’s easy to ask others with more knowledge about a topic for advice and input. But in all honesty, it is not their job to educate us on their history and repression. We need to take the time to understand how to address these problems in our own time. No one owes you anything.

Here are some books you should read:

• Me and White Supremacy

• White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

• So You Want to Talk About Race

#4. Speak out and stand up

Possibly most important, you need to be unafraid to call out racism when you hear and see the behaviour. If you are in a room full of white people and someone says something racist, say something. Just because no one will see or hear you avoid the conversation doesn’t mean you don’t have a responsibility. Things will never get better if people don’t face the consequences of the language they use.

Here are some responses to racist remarks:

• What you said during (insert time) has been bothering me and I want to talk to you about it.

• If this happened to you, what would you do?

• Would you do anything possible to protect your children?

• I feel uncomfortable when you speak about ____ that way.

Ultimately, all we can do is take action. The action doesn’t have to be monetary if you are not in a position to give, but if you are, I highly recommend you donate. Keep being vocal, keep leading these discussions, and stop letting racists win.