An Open Letter from and to White Allies Calling for Support of “Decolonize Oakland” Proposal: | Facebook

7.12.11

An Open Letter from and to White Allies Calling for Support of “Decolonize Oakland” Proposal: | Facebook An Open Letter from and to White Allies Calling for Support of “Decolonize Oakland” Proposal:

Tomorrow, local Indigenous peoples are proposing at Occupy Oakland’s General Assembly for a name change from Occupy Oakland to “Decolonize Oakland”. You can read the proposal here:

http://www.occupyoakland.org/2011/12/decolonize-oakland/

Since this proposal went out, there has been a great deal of discussion and strong feelings (especially in online forums) that has elucidated a very deep need for white allies to be present at the General Assembly tomorrow to support this proposal. In general, we need to step-up and offer an anti-racist presence and analysis. This is not to say everyone thinks the same way as a person of color or as an ally. This is not to say anyone is perfect, better, or has the right to judge others. This is not a letter encouraging everyone to start thinking the same way…

This is a letter to and from white allies asking that we hold ourselves accountable to our commitment to be an ally. How? By showing up and being your anti-racist self when the communities we seek to be allies to ask us to support them. And that is what is happening tomorrow.

It is important for white allies to be present in solidarity with the Q/POC Caucuses in making this proposal because of (but not limited to) the following anti-racism principles:

-People of color are not responsible for the education of white people.

-Seeking the empowerment of people of color does not signify disenfranchising white people, but instead leads to equitable relationships that further empower all.