“RACIST: One who is supporting a racist policy though their actions or inaction or expressing a racist idea.
ANTIRACIST: One who is supporting an antiracist policy through their actions or expressing an antiracist idea.”
From the book: How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Even though the membership of Indivisibles across the country is mostly white, it is clear that racial justice is at the core of what it means to be indivisible. What is less clear is the practical means of how to make it a shared journey where we can join in support and partnership with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) leaders of the racial justice movement who live in the areas experiencing constant inequality and police brutality. The burden of making vital transformational change must not just be borne by these leaders and these communities. This is the beginning of a long-term commitment to finding the road to doing exactly that.
Precipitated by the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the crescendo of Black Lives Matter protests has grown into a movement joined by everyone – not just Black people. We are committed to redoubling our efforts by not just protesting, but also educating ourselves and our fellow activists, and building the trust and camaraderie of communities of color. Our aim is to center their needs and initiatives as we join with them to combat the racist policies and agendas which have taken such a toll on their communities and the nation. Racial injustice in this country has been allowed to persist for far too long — this is no longer tolerable and must be stopped.
Indivisible has the experience and tools to effect legislative change, and is therefore well-positioned and prepared to be ‘anti-racist’ and to confront and help dismantle racist policies. Using our white privilege to confront unfair policies and the politicians who promote them is part of the power we have and will use to help make transformational change. We’re learning to identify the inequities through an antiracist racist lens and combined with Indivisible’s strategies we can confront the forces that are comfortable with the status quo.
While our efforts may be imperfect, our commitment is steadfast. We invite you to join our new Racial Justice and Equity Standing Team whose mission follows:
The goal of Racial Justice standing team of Indivisible Massachusetts Coalition (IMC),is to work with Indivisibles and allies at the intersection of advocacy, education, community organizing, and political activism to support anti-racist policies & legislation and to abolish the inter-connected systems of privilege and disadvantage. We have impact through our ability to mobilize activists, to advocate for truth-telling based on reliable sources and historical accuracy, and to endorse anti-racist legislation and leaders. In our work, we ideally seek to collaborate and learn from organizations led by people of color who are working towards eliminating systemic racism from our society.