Walking the Talk: The Change We Want to Be
Be the change you want to see in the world
These past three months have felt like living in a Vitamix blender. First a global pandemic, then the explosive unveiling of marked racial inequality following the death of George Floyd at the hands of white police in Minneapolis. It wasn’t just this one man but ALL the other POC (People of Color) who have recently been murdered in the name of maintaining order and law. All the fault lines merged and created a gaping wound exposing the weakness and shortcomings of our institutions and social supports. It literally takes your breath away at the scope and depth of these issues.
That’s my white privilege showing right now. I had the luxury of choosing when, how much and how long I got involved with racial inequality. But POC live with this. Every. Single. Day. The daily stress and grind of things big and small takes a toll. Add a pandemic onto the already unlevel playing fields involving housing, finances, employment and healthcare and watch how fast the thinnest of safety nets disappears. No turning away this time. No thoughts and prayers. This is not a ‘once and done’ moment.
It’s time for real and sustainable change. What is the change I want to see in the world? I want to see and be part of meaningful and concrete steps to address the inequalities, starting with my personal sphere of influence and expanding out to the community and beyond.
Here at The Elderberry, we’re focusing on how we’re giving back to the community. We continue to support the Botanica Mobile Clinic here in Charlottesville. We’ve donated money to several local agencies focusing on migrant and POC issues. Yet, we can do more. One of our projects is to create a scholarship fund for our classes. Another fund will help pay for herbs/consultations for POC who are in financial distress. We’re collaborating with local agencies to offer free trainings, herb classes and/or donations of supplies to communities of color to make herbal medicine. These are activities we’ve committed to for the long term.
Wanting to broaden my view of herbalism, I’ve been exploring websites and Instagram posts of Black herbalists.* I’ve listed several you might find interesting and inspiring. Check out an Instagram post, visit and explore a website, buy something. This is one small way you walk the color of change.
Small daily experiences add up. They can either renew and support or wear you down. Imagine a different future and walk that into being.
*Thanks to Juliet Blankespoor and Railyard Apothecary
50 black herbalists to know and support: https://www.instagram.com/p/CBRiLo2p4Re/?inf_contact_key=5cd25674c053b23edf670816e9f2ac5116358d5485884e2f31e6019a0d26c8b0
A sampling of Instagram Posts and websites of POC herbalists:
@rootworkherbals
@empresskarenmrose
@sacredvibesapothecary
@indyofficinalis
@alysonsimplygrows
@inheritblooms
@countrygentlemancooks
@radiclenaomi
@thehillbillyafrican
@ayo.herbalist
@blackforager
Other ways to educate yourself:
Born A Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah’s unlikely path from apartheid South Africa to the desk of The Daily Show began with a criminal act: his birth. Trevor was born to a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother at a time when such a union was punishable by five years in prison.
Trevor Noah's Talk on Reparations and White Supremacy
A Look Back at the Police Killing & Trial Verdict of Philando Castile | The Daily Show (trigger warning for police violence)
NPR'S Up First: American Police
This podcast features an overview of the history of policing in the U.S. by Black historian Khalil Gibran Muhammad, who teaches at the Harvard Kennedy School. To understand how we might create a better version of law enforcement, it’s helpful to understand how racism has been baked into policing from its inception.
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo .DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what we can do to engage more constructively.
Rachel Cargle's Instagram Rachel has an uncanny ability to breakdown White supremacy and racism.
Desiree Adaway's Instagram
Desiree is a consultant, trainer, coach, and speaker working to build resilient, equitable, and inclusive organizations. She offers consultations and courses through her business, The Adaway Group.
Where Do I Begin? A 28-day reading plan for white and non-black POC aspiring allies compiled by Amy Sanchez