BIPOC Voices I'm Learning From
We’ve all been in situations where we felt like we were learning things for the first time - or seeing clearly for the first time. The last few months, my eyes have been opened to just how deep and far-reaching systemic racism is. I grew up in a very culturally diverse community and school system in New Jersey, my children are bi-racial, and I would never classify myself as anything but a lover of all races and ethnicities. But I still have biases. I still have so much room to learn and grow and love better.
Now is an opportunity to be humbled and learn from others. As a farmer, I know that it’s not always about a perfect end result - it’s the process that changes you. I’m encouraged that even our small, good steps forward will bear fruit in some way, so let’s never be afraid to move for fear of failure! One step at a time.
Here are some BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) voices I’ve been learning from recently…
Danielle Coke ~ @ohhappydani
Artwork by Danielle Coke @ohhappydani
Danielle Coke’s artwork speaks volumes and as a creative and artistic person, I see it and it moves me to action. Her hopeful, unifying approach to anti-racism work is so inspiring. Here’s an interview with her on The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey podcast.
Rachel Marie Kang ~ @rachelmariekang
Image: rachelmariekang.com
This woman is radiant, her writing is beautiful, and I’ve been soaking up her hope-filled voice. I feel a camaraderie with her too in that we both married Korean men! :) Rachel’s family has a very unique story - check out this Instagram post and then Google what she says at the end of the caption to learn about her grandfather. “Brace yourself,” indeed.
You can also listen to this episode where she shares more of her story of racism and reconciliation on the 5 Minute Mom Podcast.
Be A Bridge Builder - @beabridgebuilder
Image from bethebridge.com
I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of all the learning resources here, but I’ve started with Be The Bridge 101, which you can purchase from their site for $10 as a download. I’ve scheduled a time to meet up with some white friends to discuss this as we’re going through it. They have more guides on their site here. I love the image of being a bridge - the opportunity to bring people together is something I’ve always felt called to do in some way.
Brownicity ~ @brownicity
Image from @brownicity
Founded by Dr. Lucretia Berry, there is so much practical information here about moving forward in anti-racism education and living! They also have an online anti-racism course online for $10/month, which I will probably do after Be The Bridge. I love the focus on liberation, which I should have a part in as a believer in Jesus.
BIPOC Farmers
I've also been following several BIPOC farmers and gardeners on Instagram, and I'm learning so much from their stories. It’s beautiful to see the redemption of reclaiming a love and connection with the land after the painful relationship with the land that many of their ancestors had. Here are a few of the accounts I’ve been following:
Who have you been learning from lately? I’d love to know!
