by Cindy Weivoda
“I am not a racist!”
Is what we defensively blurt out when we are emotionally challenged and we have never spent much time trying to learn about the mysterious, taboo topic of racism. In order to feel comfortable we must define racism in a way that makes that statement true.
“I am a racist…sometimes—and sometimes I am an Antiracist.” My challenge is to be an antiracist as much as I can and a racist as little as possible. This is more difficult and involves work. It requires setting aside the privilege and comfort of ignoring cognitively dissident and emotionally challenging evidence.
We took the first steps in this anti-racist journey with our IBEW 292 sisters via informational Zoom meetings in early summer of 2020. I suggested that the local organize a listening session on race. Although it was agreed that it would be a very positive step for our local to take, it never took form.
At the June meeting of the Women’s group, we decided to sponsor a book club and try to begin educating ourselves on issues of race. We purchased 12-copies of the book, How to be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi. Eight electricians made a commitment to read and discuss.
It was a bit rocky the first few meetings. We didn’t quite know how to work Zoom or what our format should be. But we quickly settled into reading one chapter per week and discussing it for 1-hour per week. As we got more comfortable with each other, our trust grew and we were able to discuss increasingly challenging subjects.
It is a good thing to read a book on your own to try to educate yourself about a difficult subject but in reading together and discussing we found added benefits:
- Helps you understand parts that you couldn’t figure out on your own.
- Holds you accountable to do the work and show up every week.
- Challenges you to deeply think about the material, even parts that you glossed over in your reading.
- Helps you learn to truly listen to others rather than wait them out so you can say your part.
- Develops confidence in speaking out and being heard.
- Develops confidence in accepting critique and learning from others.
- Provides support and camaraderie.
We finished our reading in February and deposited the books with the 292 hall so that if others would like to form a book club they can access them there. For people interested in taking steps to learn more about the topic of racial justice and inclusion I encourage you to get together a group (two is better than one) and get copies from your local independent bookseller or you public library if you cannot check them out from our local. (I find about six members to be the sweet spot for everyone being able to be heard.)
Reading this book or books like it won’t make us “not racist,” and it won’t make us antiracist all the time. But it will show us that this can’t be about emotion or making ourselves feel good but has to be about making meaningful changes to make strong communities, strong workplaces and strong unions.
Cindy Weivoda is a lifelong resident of North Minneapolis and a member of the 292 local of the IBEW. She has been a union electrician for 33 years.
Also, you can find a discussion guide for How to be an Antiracist HERE.