I began my Division 44 leadership experience as co-chair of the Public Policy Committee. During my first midwinter meeting, along with other Division 44 leaders, we struggled to confront the ways in which our division upholds white supremacy culture and the ways we, as individuals, uphold white supremacy culture. In particular, we struggled to confront our racism and Anti-Blackness that was present in the history of the division and present in the moment. I struggled. I teamed up with other members and co-created a Dismantling White Supremacy series for our leadership. We struggled even more there. I made many missteps along the way. I’ve reflected a lot on those moments over the past few years. I’ve thought about those that I hurt by my actions and inactions. I’ve thought about how I could have done better. I think about the leaders of color, especially Black leaders, that have left our division because of the harm we’ve caused them. I’ve also thought a lot about what is it in Division 44 that makes this so hard to figure out. During meetings and conversations there is a strong pull to stay silent, to promote the status quo, and to shut down when confronted. I think that because most (if not all) of our members belong to at least one marginalized, historically excluded group, we struggle to admit the ways we continue to perpetuate oppression. This has plagued our community for years. We’ve divided ourselves and reinforced hierarchies so that some of us can climb the social ladder. We’ve thrown our women, BIPOC, trans and nonbinary, disabled, and lower income folks under the bus. And at times, we’ve done so without hesitation. Just so some of us can rise. But what we still refuse to acknowledge is that when some of us are held down, none of us truly rise.
One of my presidential initiatives is to prioritize equity and justice. I’ve read articles and books, listened to interviews and podcasts, engaged in conversation with people I deeply respect, and reflect daily on how to make concrete change regarding targeting and dismantling white supremacy culture within the division. Honestly, I’m not sure what the best approaches are that will create lasting change within the division. We are discussing how to create accountability in our meeting spaces, how to prioritize leaders of color and their voices, and how to have white folks do the work. We all agree that prioritizing equity and justice is critical. We don’t always agree on how to best do that.
I want to announce a series of steps I am going to take to start this process. I am sharing this with you all via this newsletter because I want to be held accountable. I don’t want this to be lost on a listserv or pushed to the side.
- I will be holding a series of town halls with leadership and members of the division to discuss racism, Anti-Blackness, cissexism, ableism, and classism within the division. These town halls will be a forum to openly discuss the issues we have within the division and a place to discuss strategies for change. I will then utilize these strategies to work with leadership on a strategic action plan targeting these topics. We will then share this plan with the division for additional feedback.
- I will lead a series of white accountability spaces that will be open to leadership and membership. These spaces will function as a place of learning (e.g., what is white supremacy culture) to having difficult conversations about the ways we perpetuate racism and Anti-Blackness.
- I will work with leaders and members of color to determine if they want to lead an affinity space for healing and connection.
These steps are not enough. But it’s my starting point. I will continue to develop ideas and share them with you all. I will try to be as honest and transparent as I can about the successes and failures.
I appreciate you all. I look forward to continuing this work with you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, ideas, or thoughts.