Bipoc Action Item: Read the article When Black People Are In Pain, White People Just Join Book Clubs, by Tre Johnson

Action item: Read the article When Black People Are In Pain, White People Just Join Book Clubs, by Tre Johnson

• Where to read: The Washington Post, via this link.
• Time needed: 10 minutes
• What it's about: Writer Tre Johnson speaks to the inaction of white people during times of crisis, how they talk in circles around race, but don't do anything to truly help or enact real change. 
• Discussion questions: 
  • How did reading the title of this article feel? Did it give you a specific lens when reading the rest of the article? Why?
  • Johnson argues that even his liberal, "woke" friends are living in a world of signalship and optical allyship. If you identify as a liberal, "woke" person, do you agree? Why or why not?
    • If you said you do agree, what are you going to do to change this? If you said you don't agree, why not? Name specific examples of how your words have led to actions. 
  • Johnson writes, "The right acknowledgment of black justice, humanity, freedom and happiness won’t be found in your book clubs, protest signs, chalk talks or organizational statements." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
  • How do you feel after reading this article? Called to action? Angry? Sad? Apathetic? Why are you feeling this way? Discuss.