We had an amazing conversation on Instagram and I really didn’t want you to miss it! I shared a post about resisting the temptation to be seen as a savior and becoming a liberator instead. Then, one of the members of our First Name Basis fam asked what it looks like to be a liberator and we launched into an awesome conversation about 5 things that we can all do to be liberators.

1. Learn

• About the issues facing marginalized communities
• About the privileges you hold
• One of the best places to start is books: firstnamebasis.org/books

2. Listen (no matter what it sounds like)

• Diversify your social networks and your social media

3. Walk with us and amplify our voices

• People with power, privilege and resources are used to their voices being the loudest in the room, to be a liberator you have to be willing to take a back seat and amplify the voices of those in marginalized communities
• Speak up when someone makes derogatory comments or jokes, help them understand why what they have done/said is inappropriate (especially on social media)

4. Redistribute your resources

• Support businesses owned by People of Color
• Support nonprofit organizations that are run by People of Color and are doing the work to support under-resourced communities

5. Be civically engaged

• Keep up with current events
• Vote for leaders who listen to and support marginalized communities

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood