Choosing Liberation Over Comfort
Reflections on Anti-Racism, Solidarity, and the Power of Small Actions in the Fight Against Oppression
Today, Dr. Kim and I chose not to record our conversation. Some days, the weight of being perceived feels too heavy—a reminder that when we open ourselves up to others, we invite interpretation, assumption, and sometimes even distortion. For those of us whose lives and work revolve around deep emotional and social truths, being seen can feel as much a burden as it is a responsibility.
Being perceived goes beyond simple visibility; it’s the way others read into our existence, our bodies, and our expressions, often interpreting our vulnerability through the lens of their own biases and expectations. As Black women in spaces where we are often expected to perform a certain way, we face an added layer of expectation, one that demands we carry the weight of representation for others rather than simply being ourselves. Sometimes, stepping back and choosing not to be fully seen in all our dimensions is an act of self-care.
Beyond the Monolith: Rethinking Anti-Racism and Community Building
In our ongoing work toward liberation, it’s essential to evaluate and re-evaluate our approaches to anti-racism, community building, and solidarity. Recently, Dr. Kim and I shared a candid conversation about where current anti-racism efforts are falling short, particularly around the expectations placed on Black women and the approach to white community building.
Too often, white individuals enter spaces focused on anti-racism with a guilt-driven mindset rather than a genuine commitment to change within themselves. They seek to be absolved by the presence of Black and Brown bodies, hoping that proximity to marginalized groups will miraculously dissolve their own complicity. But the truth is, we need white people to build their own communities of accountability and action. Liberation can’t be about reliance on Black women to lead or represent; we are not a monolith, and our existence isn’t here to ease white guilt.
One powerful example arose recently when a white woman reached out for support in a community, only to be met with accusations of gatekeeping. Her experience speaks to the fractured nature of allyship in anti-racism spaces and how true community requires understanding, compassion, and shared accountability.
The Intersectionality of Liberation
Our paths to liberation are intertwined, each influenced by intersecting identities, histories, and systems. For true liberation to take root, we must acknowledge how each form of oppression—whether it be racism, ableism, sexism, or economic injustice—converges and interacts. Recognizing this intersectionality isn’t simply an intellectual exercise; it’s the framework for building an inclusive liberation that leaves no one behind.
Dr. Kim and I talked about the layered complexities of our identities and the ways in which we encounter oppression and privilege differently. For Black women especially, liberation is not merely about dismantling racism; it’s also about challenging sexism, health inequities, and economic systems that penalize us for existing at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. Embracing the intersectionality of our experiences allows us to approach liberation holistically and genuinely, ensuring our efforts don’t replicate the oppressive dynamics we’re working to dismantle.
Marketing and Influence: A Tool for Transformation
Our conversation led us to consider the role of marketing and influence in shaping public consciousness. Take the rise of Donald Trump—a phenomenon not built on substance or moral grounding but on powerful marketing. His influence has less to do with values and more to do with visibility. This got us thinking: What if we used those same marketing principles to bring about real, meaningful change? What if those promoting liberation and collective healing had access to marketing expertise?
Marketing has become a force in itself, shaping our perceptions of everything from food to fast fashion. I dream of the day when liberation work is marketed with the same intensity. Good ideas and impactful projects don’t always naturally find their audience; they often need intentional, strategic outreach to succeed.
Dr. Kim even shared her own vision of approaching investors like Mark Cuban to amplify her work in community health. Real change requires resources, and building transformative work with solid marketing is no less an act of resistance.
Solidarity Beyond Symbolism