Jun 23, 2020
In this week's episode, we tackle the very real call to action to defund the police, and how to maintain sustainability of the Black Lives Matter movement. Listen as we talk about restructuring law enforcement systems, what activism can look like, and how to maintain healthy mental health while being a part of the movement.
Dive in as we discuss the give tips to prevent burning out from social justice work and activism and the mindset shift from holding high expectations and results to a focus on the commitment to do what is right at this moment.
Key takeaways from this episode include:
1. Defunding the police and dismantling belief systems are not new concepts. Law enforcement officers are taught to dehumanize people and see people as the enemy. Just fire everybody. Fire everybody. Let’s start over.
2. It helps to have genuine white allies. White folks who are firm in their conviction to align with people of color can and should speak up against injustice when people of color need to rest. We, as people of color, are exhausted.
3. You have to start somewhere with your activism. It is okay to stop and restart. Often. Accept that this shift is slow and is a part of the process. All of this activism work is going to look different for everybody.
4. Take care of yourself first, then do what you can to support the community. Prevent burn out and always engage in self-care. You are on the front lines of activism and you need to refuel to keep going.
5. We must find and/or create the spaces. We heal with the community and cultural connections. Find the way that you heal with others and then take space for yourself.
6. AGAIN, what are the action steps? If funding and resources will be reallocated please outlined this plan and be specific.
7. Please watch the series The Wire. Not once but twice. Thank you, Tonika, for the suggestion.
For questions and share outs and further discussion please contact us at therapistsarepeopletoo@gmail.com.
Until next time, remember to live, laugh, love, and keep it real.
-Frantzces, Sabeen and Tonika :)
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