How to TALK ABOUT RACE wherever you are

Get the tools you need to speak up instead of staying silent.

- By Jamia Wilson

No matter where you live, you’re likely hearing about the current fight for racial equality. And maybe you’re an active participant in the fight: hitting the streets for protests, promoting campaigns on social media or raising funds for racial justice organizations.

Or perhaps you feel at a loss as to what to do or say about it all. You worry about making mistakes or finding the exact “right” words. Or maybe you live in a community where it is challenging to find like-minded people who share your viewpoint.

If that sounds familiar, know that you are *not* alone. A lot of people feel this way. But it doesn’t mean you can’t be part of the solution.

It all starts with speaking up. Every day, we’re presented with opportunities where we can move hearts and minds—and play a key role in helping others learn more about the values and issues we care about.

And despite the myth that simply talking about race is racist, you *can* confront biases and stereotypes by sharing openly, honestly and directly about racism. You can address inequalities in your world. No doubt the weight of society’s injustices can make us feel like it’s hard to determine the way forward, but it is time to step into your power. Here are some thought-starters to keep in mind the next time racism shows up in your life.

THE SITUATION: My teacher tends to call more on students who share her background.