From a Place of Love

On Friday I shared on Facebook where I stand on racial inequality in the US.

I was and am outraged at the death of George Floyd and so many other events that have happened before and since then. You can watch that here.

In that post, I also included resources provided to me by Black leaders I respect and that I am using as a white spiritual woman to ensure I am actively anti-racist. I know I will get it wrong some of the time but I want to be explicit in where my support lies.

Since Friday my goal has been to remain quiet and make space for Black voices to be heard. As I mentioned in the video, I don’t know enough to be a leader right now.

One of the women I am listening to right now is Marjorie Phoenix, founder of the Giving Voices Project.

This week I interviewed her on my podcast. Marjorie uses creative expression to help victims of Domestic Violence heal. She is the author of “Who the Hell Do You Think You Are?” in which she details the incredible and courageous journey she took leaving an abusive relationship.

The way I came to invite Marjorie onto the podcast was through Facebook. She commented on a post I had made after Ahmaud Arbery was killed. I had posted that I wasn’t sure what to do but I wasn’t looking away. Marjorie responded that she appreciated I wasn’t looking away and then gave me advice on how to help.

Specifically she said to use my social position to bring attention to this issue. She also offered a few organizations focused on racial justice I can support.

I appreciated so much her time and energy to help educate me. That was not her job, yet she invested in me anyway.

So the question I am sitting with now is how do I make that precious investment bear fruit? How can I be a good ally? A good friend?

Those answers I will continue to seek.

To my Black friends and readers, I take this work seriously and approach it humbly. If I have done anything to harm you in my action or inaction here or anywhere considered my “platform” please know I’m listening and learning.

I have always endeavored to come from a place of love.

To all my BIPOC friends and readers I extend this same invitation to you. If I have done harm, tell me so I can do better but also know I’m doing my own work.

And finally to my white friends and readers, if you are looking for help with your anti-racism work here is a document Marjorie shared online that I found very helpful.

With love,

Patty

You can listen to the conversation with Marjorie here.