At what point, will you divest? The Call for Practicing Racial Equity

Recently, an upsetting statement reverberated through a community meeting, resonating with a mix of pain and frustration: "it hurt my heart." These words were uttered by a member of a community my team has been collaborating with for the past five years. The source of their distress? A local foundation abruptly paused their investment without prior notification or explanation. After half a decade of partnership, the foundation's decision was relayed through a passive email, devoid of the respect and consideration the community deserved.

In response to this unexpected turn of events, we facilitated a healing ceremony alongside the community, aiming to provide closure and chart a path forward in addressing the foundation's actions through a restorative lens. We supported the community in penning a letter to the foundation, requesting a meeting to confront their decision.

As my team and I continue to navigate this journey of healing alongside the affected community, I can't help but reflect on the broader landscape of organizations espousing lofty ideals of racial equity while failing to embody them in practice. The incident with the foundation serves as a harsh reminder of the pervasive apathy that perpetuates systems of white supremacy within purportedly progressive institutions.

The dismissive tone of the emails received from the foundation underscores a fundamental reluctance to engage in the necessary work of confrontation and reconciliation. Despite years of collaborative effort, the foundation chose to retreat in fear rather than confront the uncomfortable truths revealed by their actions. Adding to the complexity of emotions is the fact that the representative of the institution shares my racial identity, amplifying the sense of betrayal and disappointment.

As I continue to reflect and define closure, a crucial question emerges: at what point will organizations commit to divesting from the structures and behaviors that uphold white supremacy? The journey towards racial equity demands more than token gestures and superficial commitments; it necessitates a radical reimagining of power dynamics and a genuine commitment to accountability and transformation.

For individuals grappling with the decision to divest from complicit institutions, several key considerations come to mind:

1. Self-Reflection: Take stock of your values, beliefs, and the alignment of your actions with those principles. Are you comfortable perpetuating systems of oppression through your association with the institution?

2. Confrontation: Engage in courageous conversations with decision-makers within the organization. Challenge them to acknowledge the harm caused by their actions and hold them accountable for meaningful change.

3. Apology and Amends: Genuine apologies are not merely expressions of regret but acknowledgments of responsibility and a commitment to redress the harm inflicted. Look for concrete steps the institution is willing to take to repair the damage and address systemic inequities.

4. Behavioral Change: Meaningful transformation requires tangible shifts in behavior and organizational culture. Advocate for policies and practices that center equity, inclusion, and justice in all facets of operation.

5. Tipping Point: Recognize when you've reached a tipping point where continued association with the institution compromises your integrity and commitment to racial justice. Trust your instincts and prioritize your well-being and values above all else.

The pursuit of racial equity involves navigating significant tension amid the challenges and complexities inherent in the process. However, it also carries the promise of profound transformation and liberation. It's imperative for organizations to confront their complicity in maintaining oppressive systems and exhibit authentic dedication to confrontation and reconciliation. For individuals within these institutions, the decision to divest represents a profound act of resistance and solidarity with communities impacted by systemic injustice. It's time to ask ourselves: at what point will we divest? And what kind of world are we willing to create through our actions?