Last week, I mentioned in passing that Numbers 12 talks about Miriam and Aaron almost staging a coup against Moses because he married a black woman (Zipporah)
Click here if you missed it, sis.
What I didn't share was the aftermath
Basically God went ham on Moses' behalf by calling the 3 of them together; then:
Defending Moses
Striking Miriam with leprosy
Although Moses' prayer for her healing was eventually heeded, God still made her go through the recommended cleansing and separation process to teach Miriam a lesson. In other words-
God caused her to feel what it's like to be reviled, ostracised and hated for (leprous) skin that she had no control over and could do nothing about- just like Zipporah had been made to feel because of her blackness
Being a British citizen of Nigerian descent connects me with the African diaspora, including my African American brothers and sisters. They are me and I am them.
I talk about visibility all the time and how positive it can be but, as a black woman, I also know what it's like to be visible for all the wrong reasons- just like Zipporah, just like Ahmaud Aubrey, just like Breonna Taylor, just like George Floyd and countless others
All of whom have been tragically killed through acts of terrorism fueled by racism.
What we need is for our white counterparts- particularly those who claim to be our Christian brothers and sisters- to learn the same lesson Miriam did. To put yourself in our shoes. To empathise with us and stand with us. Since we didn't make or break the system, nothing changes until you do. Practical steps on how are given from my friend Monique Melton (an antiracism educator, author, speaker and podcast host) pictured with me below.
Now, before I became friends with Monique, I remember hearing her interview on the Being Boss Podcast. By this time she'd already begun her work in antiracism and so shared some really great pointers for how white people (particularly influencers) can take steps to use their platforms to join the fight for social justice. To summarise:
Diversify your inner circle
As I'm always saying, your personal relationships directly impact your business relationships; so make an intentional effort to meet and network with people outside of your comfort zone, culture etc. If your friendship circle is homogeneous, your brand will be too. So it starts with you making space for others by going to conferences, events etc that heavily involve/feature people of colour
Advocate
If invited to speak on a platform, check the line-up. If it's not diverse ask the host if they have been reaching out to people of colour and/or plan to, for example. Speak up when you see injustice in general.
Amplify people of colour’s voices
Use your platform to amplify our voices, perspectives and experiences- not to take over and lead the way in the antiracism conversation. Although well-intentioned, that is still disempowering. Listen and collaborate with people of colour rather than co-opting the narrative
Educate yourself and others
Don't demand that people of colour educate you on racism, white privilege/supremacy etc. It's exhausting, traumatic and emotionally laborious because we live it everyday. If you really want to know/help, do the work! Google is your friend- start by looking up words like “antiracism,” “white ally” and “inclusion”. You can also learn from Monique via her website in terms of resources, classes etc
Support
If you are going to ask the people of colour in your life about their experiences, create/be a safe space. Listen and ask how you can better support them as a friend and ally (while you also do the work yourself)