Hope is a woman who lost her fear...

And a white woman PSA

Dear Ones,

Phew. What a time to be alive.

If you are avoiding the socials or just anywhere a breaking news story/Trump appointee could interrupt your day, I totally get it. But there are a few things I shared this week that I want to make sure you do. not. miss.

First up, this poem from Alice Walker.

I shared it here and the comments are so good.

Second, a few days ago I got on instagram and shared a “White Women’s PSA”

Here’s some of what I said…

I am back and coming in hot with the white women's PSA.  

I know there is a lot of conversation right now around how white women who voted blue communicate that commitment to black women and I've seen the blue bracelet situation, very akin to black square on Instagram. You know, like, every now and again we do this new performance to show your allyship. 

And I first want to begin by saying that this PSA has absolutely nothing to do with like changing the hearts and minds of white people. The reason that I'm talking to you is because you are about to make black women's lives harder, and I would really like for you to stop and reflect before you do that. I am not interested in changing your lives or being your magical Negro for a moment. I want you to stop and reflect before you make another black woman's life harder than it already is right now, alright? 

I want you to ask yourself, do you want to do this because you are tired or afraid or uncomfortable with black women looking at you sideways in public? Is that why you want to do this?

austinchanning

A post shared by @austinchanning

Head here to watch the rest and then let me know what you think in the poll below.

When in doubt: Hope is a duty.

- Austin