SURJ-Chicago guidelines for white folks planning on showing up in solidarity at any #ConvictVanDyke rallies for #Justice4Laquan. A thread.
SHOW UP
- The presence of white people in the street often determines the level of police aggression. Do NOT escalate police aggression.
- The presence of white people in the street often determines the level of police aggression. Do NOT escalate police aggression.
STAY OFF THE MEGAPHONE
- This is simple: you are not a march leader, you are not a chant leader.
- This is simple: you are not a march leader, you are not a chant leader.
DIRECT MEDIA TO BLACK LEADERSHIP
- It will be flattering & tempting when media approaches you & they will. The media love white voices. You are not a spokesperson for this movement. Redirect media to Black leadership who are.
- It will be flattering & tempting when media approaches you & they will. The media love white voices. You are not a spokesperson for this movement. Redirect media to Black leadership who are.
PROTEST FROM OUR POSITION
- Instead of co-opting Black people's experiences, carry signs challenging white supremacy.
- "Whose streets? Our streets!" - we do NOT need to chant this & claim the streets for white people.
- Use our position within white supremacy to challenge it.
- Instead of co-opting Black people's experiences, carry signs challenging white supremacy.
- "Whose streets? Our streets!" - we do NOT need to chant this & claim the streets for white people.
- Use our position within white supremacy to challenge it.
FOLLOW DIRECTION OF BLACK LEADERSHIP
- And recognize that Black leadership won't always be accessible.
- And recognize that Black leadership won't always be accessible.
!!! CALL-IN/ COLLECT WHITE FOLKS WHO ARE CAUSING HARM & BREAKING GUIDELINES SET BY BLACK LEADERSHIP. !!!
MEET THE LEVEL OF ESCALATION W/ POLICE, DO NOT EXCEED IT.
- Recognize that police reaction to white escalation affects Black & Brown people exponentially more than white people.
- If you take a risk as a lone wolf, you are potentially endangering Black lives.
- Recognize that police reaction to white escalation affects Black & Brown people exponentially more than white people.
- If you take a risk as a lone wolf, you are potentially endangering Black lives.
- Do not abandon Black & Brown people during the action to face police alone.
RECOGNIZE GROUP RESPONSIBILITY BEFORE, DURING, & AFTER ACTION
- Ensure everyone is bailed out of jail, and strive to do court support.
- Ensure everyone is bailed out of jail, and strive to do court support.
