“Racism, white supremacy and white privilege are real. It’s trauma. It’s traumatizing. This is our constant always, but incessant right now. Racism is far from over. Its roots are deep. Treating symptoms won’t work. We need to get to the wound. We need to look at the ‘why.’ It can’t be just us. The Church is eerily quiet right now. We can’t fight this fight alone. Show up and stand up. Spend your privilege. Silence is breeding violence. Being silent is a luxury I don’t have the privilege of having.” – Embo Tshimanga
I’ve benefited so much from Black Culture. The rap music I listen to and create, the clothes I wear, many of the movies I enjoy like Queen and Slim and Boyz in the Hood, are all a product the Black Community. I grew up in an inner-city church that was extremely multi-cultural and many of my closest friends and brothers and sisters are people of color.
But I still have white privilege. When I get pulled over, I get annoyed about the inconvenience, I worry financially about how the fine will ruin my Friday night plans, and not for a second do I feel fear or worry that my life is at risk during the upcoming interaction with the officer approaching my window. Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, Philando Castile, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin and many more were not given the same courtesy.
So how do we advocate for change as a church, a community, a world? I don’t have the answer. Ultimately, only Jesus can change the hearts of a nation stained by racism and prejudice. However, as believers, we are called to stand for the oppressed and to speak up about injustice for those who are suffering, so while I am believing for the Lord to transform the hearts of man, I still need to do my part. It is not enough to sit on the sidelines quietly and feel empathy due to a lack of understanding on how to help.
So what can we do as college students to see change on our campuses? How can we use our voice to make change and reform in our current social climate?
Start with prayer and ask the Lord for guidance.
Jesus is our ultimate comfort, advocate, and judge. It is vital to first come to the father and ask for him to move radically in the hearts of man across our nation right now. Ultimately, a move of the Lord is the only thing that will heal and transform our country. But, this cannot be where we stop.
Educate yourself.
I see many people saying they do not know how to help or what they can do, and that is okay! When I began heavily advocating for social change after the death of Trayvon Martin, I did not really know where to begin. The most important key I discovered was to read up on current issues along with listening to the suggestions and guidance from justice advocates, reading books on the topic, and watching documentaries that uncovered many of the roots and trends of racism that were currently affecting people of color in America today. Some of my favorites were:
The Dream King by Will Ford (Available on Amazon)
The Third Option by Miles McPherson (Available on Amazon)
White Awake by Daniel Hill (Available on Amazon)
The Red Couch Podcast with Propaganda and Alma (Listen on Spotify and Apple Music)
The 13th (Streaming Now on Netflix)
Bishop T.D. Jakes & Pastor Carl Lentz Discuss Racism in America (Stream on YouTube)
16 Shots (Streaming on Showtime or available to purchase on iTunes)
Whose Streets? (Streaming on Hulu)
Take Action.
Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
Use your voice by calling out racism when you see it in your own circles and daily life. Listen to the pain our brothers and sisters of color are expressing and give empathy. You do not need to relate to their pain to stand next to them as they walk through it. Listen, listen, listen.
Advocate for reform by protesting peacefully, signing petitions, calling government officials to make legal changes, etc. Use situations such as this to address the current issue, instead of drawing attention elsewhere. Too many believers unfortunately use social justice conversations to advocate for other social issues or make comparisons, which only creates separation and sheds a cold shoulder. Screaming “All Lives Matter” during a Black Lives Matter movement is like hosing down houses who are not on fire because it is only fair they all receive attention.
Reform your Campus.
Join forces with social justice groups on campus, ask questions on how you can help with events to protest injustice at your school, speak up when you see racism happen, become an ally and a friend offline. As a group, hold times to specifically pray against racism and for equality on your campus. As the body of Christ, we need to continue to be a voice for change beyond social media.
This is not the golden answer to solve the problem of racism in America, but for now, let’s start by listening, learning, and standing up for the injustice our friends face.
By Ian Kenville, Director of Media and Marketing for BASIC College Ministries.