Anti-Racism in Practice: Brief Lessons from Research

By: Laila Hopkins

“Don’t let anybody, anybody convince you this is the way the world is and therefore must be. It must be the way it ought to be.” These simple yet impactful words by Toni Morrison from, The Source of Self Regard perfectly, yet plainly depict the convictions of those on the mission of committing to anti-racist advocacy.  Anti-racism is more than a stance or matter of opinion, but it is the active commitment to taking steps towards molding the world into what it should have been all along. Just, equitable, and free from the restricting bounds of racial prejudice.

Through my own lived experience as a Black woman, extensive research in my formative years in policy debate, studying anti-blackness and the effects of systemic racism, to now being able to utilize supplemental resources provided by the Anti-Racism Commitment Coalition, I have come to better understand the very real and profound impact of anti-racism, as well as how each of us play a crucial role in fostering a society where equity is imperative; not just an option. This blog post briefly covers the lessons learned from anti-racism research, also providing insights and practical steps to help us all contribute to spreading the mission of anti-racism for this country, and beyond. 

The History and Roots of Racism

Racism in this country is not a recent phenomenon by any means, as it has deep historical roots, dating back to colonialism and chattel slavery. Since then, systemic racism has been intentionally embedded in institutions, forming disparities that persist to this day. Examples like the Jim Crow laws in the United States and Apartheid in South Africa illustrate how racism has been used as a tool of oppression. These systems have impacted marginalized communities in economic, social, and psychological areas, creating long-lasting effects that are sure to affect generations to come.

Understanding Anti-Racism 

Anti-racism is an active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies, practices, and attitudes. It involves recognizing the existence of racism, understanding its harmful effects, and actively working to dismantle it. It is important to understand that there are clear differences between non-racism and being actively anti-racist. Unlike non-racism, which relies on the mere absence of racist behavior, anti-racism requires more engagement and proactive effort towards eradicating racism. It is not merely enough to simply be neutral as it allows for the perpetuation of a system that continues to oppress those who do not benefit from privilege in this society. Simply put, a societal “color-blindness” is not enough to enact change and bring about racial equity.

The Importance of Self-Education and Identifying Personal Bias

One of the first and most vital steps in putting anti-racism into practice is self-education. Seeking the information that you lack to better supplement your understanding of the racial situation of your surroundings is important in not only understanding the plight of those around you but to be able to better advocate for the upholding of equal rights and expansion of anti-discrimination legislation. To better educate yourself, it is recommended to read literature from those who are well-educated on the topic and consider the stories of those who are marginalized. Opening your mind to the experiences of those who are marginalized, if you are not a part of that demographic, ensures that you are able to accurately advocate for their needs and not drown out their voices with a superficial understanding of racism. Continuous education helps build empathy, understanding, and the motivation to act.

For those looking to go deeper, I recommend people to read “Post Traumatic Slave Disorder” by Joy DeGruy, “A Rap on Race “by James Baldwin and Margaret Mead, and Black Skin, “White Masks” by Frantz Fanon for a better understanding on race and how it operates in the psyche of those afflicted, and how anti-blackness essentially affects everyone, regardless of being Black and Brown. Other supplemental readings to directly stimulate self-reflection and get more ideas about how race affects legislation in our world are “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo, and “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander. 

Speaking more of self-reflection, we must examine our personal biases, whether conscious or unconscious, that influence our perceptions and actions. There are tools like tests to help identify biases, and once identified, it is important to then challenge them. To challenge one’s biases is to hold oneself accountable, seek feedback from others, and make a conscious effort to stray away from prejudiced thoughts and behaviors into more accepting and understanding ones.  Practicing anti-racism in daily life involves small yet significant actions that can include using inclusive language, supporting minority-owned businesses, and diversifying one’s social and professional networks. Effective allyship means speaking up against racism, even when it’s uncomfortable. Confronting racist remarks and behaviors in a constructive manner is paramount despite the potential social ramifications that follow. It’s about being an active participant in creating change, being more than just a passive observer. 

 Institutional and Systemic Change

We can do more than just talk and read about it. Though these are important steps for compounding on existing awareness, it is extremely important that we understand that true anti-racist efforts extend beyond our interpersonal interactions and move towards monitoring legislation happenings, stimulating civil community engagement, and pushing for policy changes, like criminal justice reform, fair housing practice, and equal employment opportunities. In the same vein, it is important that we fight for the policies that are already in place to ensure that they are not stricken from the record with policies that do not have racial equity in mind to take their place. 

In summary, anti-racism is a multifaceted commitment that requires perpetual and intentional learning, self-reflection, and proactive action. It involves challenging personal biases, advocating for systemic change, and educating oneself and others. The journey towards a truly equitable society is long and demanding, as no one has ever implied that it would be a simple one, but it is a journey that we must undertake. As we continue to educate ourselves and others, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to face and change the realities of racism in our country. 

 “I feel that if we don’t take seriously the ways in which racism is embedded in structures of institutions, if we assume that there must be an identifiable racist who is the perpetrator, then we won’t ever succeed in eradicating racism.” — Angela Y. Davis, Freedom Is a Constant Struggle