My friends…

These are times of chaos.

These are times following the deliberate sowing of misinformation and hatred.

This is the week after an insurrection, in which rabid White Supremacists threatened Black and brown women in the US capitol with kidnapping and lynching.

These are the days of hubris that wields corrupt power at the expense of others—of livelihoods and lives. And in the midst of this, is the time in which the United States honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In my favorite collection of his, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? Dr. King writes:

“Whites, it must frankly be said, are not putting in a similar mass effort to reeducate themselves out of their racial ignorance. It is an aspect of their sense of superiority that the white people of America believe they have so little to learn.”

The question—where do we go from here?—is as pertinent now as ever. And it is up to white people to lay down the scourge of white supremacy in all its forms. It is up to us to educate ourselves and each other in greater strength and compassion so we can live better lives.

Internalized white supremacy also exists, and how could it not, when the measure of good and competent and beautiful in European-influenced society is whiteness? We are swimming in it.

When thinking of white supremacy, don’t only think of actively bigoted racists, carrying zip-cuffs and pipe bombs, or badges and guns: White supremacy of the mundane kind is everywhere.

Do you read books or watch movies? Interrogate the measure of whiteness in those books and movies. Interrogate the power of whiteness in the production and hiring practices in publishing and the film industry.

Do you work in a non-profit, small business, or corporation? Interrogate the rewards of whiteness in your industry.Are you called upon to lead, or speak, or teach? Especially if you are white, interrogate who else is asked to lead, or speak, or teach. Make room for others if you can.

Teach yourself. Teach your children.

These days, it is easy to feel discouraged, and as if it is too late to begin the work above. But it is never too late to try. It is never too late to learn. It is never too late to vow, today, to do better. I also like to think that the current explosion of foaming-at-the-mouth white supremacy is a sign that the creature is stumbling out its final days. This may not happen in my lifetime, but as surely as I count this earth as sacred, I will help strike as many killing blows as I can while I still breathe.

I start, as always, with myself and my choices and actions. Then I look to friends. Family. Community.

Dr. King also said:

“Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”

Let us show up together to demand justice, in the name of love.

Don’t give up.

blessings - Thorn

I’ve turned to this weekly newsletter because conversations on Twitter or Facebook can get lost in the fractious churn. Please sign up for the newsletter if you aren't already, and help me build thoughtful community. And tell a friend.