Be WOKE

February is Black History Month. An invitation to learn. An invitation to invoke change. Now, more than ever, we must collectively spark discussion on racism and white privilege. Be WOKE is a powerful, political and historically distinct word.

This powerful phrase was not intended as a catchphrase on social media but a term with the power to call others to action. It is a word to implore us to dig deep and be brutally honest with ourselves as we search our souls. How do we live the values of inclusivity and diversity each day? Chloe Valdary chose this language to alert people to social justice, fight prejudice and become more aware of systemic injustices. This phrase is meant to greet us each morning, to ensure we live with eyes wide open to what is happening in our community and our world.

I am saddened but relieved for the difficult conversations that are making their way into the evening news. This is undoubtedly an uncomfortable time as we accept our role in perpetuating injustice. However, it is also an opportunity for change to improve our relationships and shed bias.

A phrase often associated with mental health initiatives is, ‘Nothing about us, without us.’ This simple phrase invites us to pause and examine our processes with a power parallel to what the word ‘be woke’ incites for a call to action to address racial and social injustice. Both phrases invite us to listen in a meaningful way, employ empathy, and remain open to new perspectives.

This February, as we all shelter in place, the curbside Black History Month communications will not be as accessible as they once were on our city streets. Perhaps this is an opportunity to expand versus contract. Maybe this time allows us to undergo a critical process of unlearning through the power of language. This February, I challenge you to grow your mind and challenge your assumptions and bias’. It is a time to evaluate your tool-box to ensure you have the skills necessary to facilitate dialogue, learning and foster a new diversity in safe spaces. Undoubtedly, we will all experience awkward and uncomfortable moments as we shift to a new way of being. To explore all sides of history, to rise to greet each day, making change, where change is due with eyes open.

 Explore Black History:

Emmanuel Acho (2020) Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man.

Keyana Stevens (2015) Five Minute Film Festival: Talking About Race and Stereotypes. George Lucas Educational Foundation.  https://www.edutopia.org/blog/5-minute-film-festival-talking-about-race-and-stereotypes

Black History and Culture Academy  (2020)  https://www.blackhistorycultureacademy.com/courses

Harvard Project Implicit (2011)  https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/