The Importance of Awareness in Advocacy
"The struggle for liberation is a long and arduous one, but it is the only path that leads to true freedom and justice for all people." – David Hilliard
As we continue our month-long celebration of Pride and Juneteenth, today’s focus is on the crucial role of awareness in advocacy. Awareness is the first step toward meaningful change. By educating ourselves and others about the intersectionality of various identities, we can challenge prejudices and foster a more inclusive society. This knowledge empowers us to be better advocates for justice. In today’s article, we are going to focus on the recent events of harm brought to David Hillard co-founder of the Black Panther Party.
The Black Panther Party, under the leadership of figures like David Hilliard, emphasized the power of education and awareness in their advocacy. Their community programs, including free breakfast for children, health clinics, and educational initiatives, were designed to raise awareness and empower Black communities. These efforts illustrate how awareness can be a catalyst for substantial change.
For me personally, waking up to the news of Mr. Hilliard being touted out like a show pony, falsely claiming to support Donald Trump, does not make me question him nor the efforts of the Black Panther Party. It simply highlights how dangerous it is to be in proximity to whiteness. I am writing today to challenge you to think beyond your biases and to sit with truth instead of your programmed responses.
Awareness and the Power of Education
Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." This powerful statement underscores the importance of awareness and education (NOT indoctrination) in our efforts to create a more just and equitable society. When we begin the process of UNlearning what we have been indoctrinated into and allow ourselves to be educated by those that stand at the forefront of intersectionality we can better understand the unique challenges faced by them and work towards dismantling the systems of oppression that marginalize them.
Awareness and Its Impact
Awareness involves recognizing and understanding the diverse experiences and identities that shape our society. For those of us dedicated to liberation through decolonization and whole self-healing, awareness is a powerful tool. It enables us to see beyond surface-level issues and address the root causes of inequality and injustice.
The Role of Awareness in Advocacy
Challenging Prejudices: Awareness helps us identify and challenge the prejudices that exist within ourselves and our communities. By understanding the intersectionality of various identities, we can confront biases and work towards a more equitable society.
Fostering Inclusivity: Education about the diverse experiences of marginalized communities fosters inclusivity. It encourages empathy and understanding, creating a culture where all voices are valued and heard.
Empowering Advocacy: Knowledge empowers us to be more effective advocates. When we are aware of the complexities and nuances of intersectional identities, we can develop more informed and impactful strategies for change.
The Importance of Ethical Advocacy
In light of the recent conversation that was released where Carol D. Mitchell took advantage of her proximity to David Hilliard, one of the prominent founding members of the Black Panther Party who is now aging and dealing with dementia, we see a clear example of the importance of awareness and ethical advocacy. This situation highlights the need for vigilance and integrity in our advocacy efforts.
David Hilliard’s legacy as a co-founder of the Black Panther Party is profound and is a testament to the power of organized advocacy and the fight for racial justice. The Black Panther Party was instrumental in advocating for Black liberation, community building, and social justice. However, the exploitation of his vulnerable state by Carol D. Mitchell highlights a significant ethical breach and underscores the need for awareness in our advocacy efforts. We must be vigilant in protecting the dignity and rights of those who fought and pass along the legacy of advocacy. Her violation of him underscores the critical importance of maintaining ethical standards in advocacy. It also highlights how proximity to white people can and is usually dangerous to Black and non-white people.
Ethical Standards in Advocacy
Ethical advocacy is rooted in the principles of respect, integrity, and accountability. As advocates, we have a responsibility to ensure that our actions do not harm or exploit those we aim to support, particularly when they are in vulnerable positions. This means:
Respecting Autonomy: Ensuring that the voices and wishes of those we advocate for are heard and respected, especially when they are unable to advocate for themselves. This includes seeking consent, honoring their decisions, and prioritizing their well-being.
Acting with Integrity: Maintaining honesty and transparency in our advocacy efforts, and avoiding actions that could exploit or harm those we support. Integrity involves being truthful, keeping promises, and adhering to ethical guidelines in all our interactions.
Ensuring Accountability: Being accountable for our actions and their impact on the communities we serve. This means accepting responsibility for any mistakes, seeking to rectify them, and continuously striving to improve our advocacy practices.
The Dangers of Proximity to Whiteness
Taking advantage of David Hilliard to push forward a narrative that someone is or is not a “good” person or a “racist” is part and parcel of white womanhood here in the United States. When our voices are not centered around our stories and our truths, it perpetuates more harm. These are the blatant truths of whiteness as a system. I will continue to push forward the truth and awareness in advocacy and ensure that my children are aware of the accurate truth and not the narratives of white supremacy.
Proximity to whiteness can be dangerous for Black and non-white people in various ways:
Exploitation of Trust: Proximity to whiteness can lead to situations where Black and non-white individuals are taken advantage of, as seen in the case of David Hilliard. The power imbalance inherent in these relationships can make it easier for exploitation to occur. White individuals hold more power and influence within societal structures, and this power is often abused to take advantage of the trust placed in them by marginalized individuals. In the case of Carol D. Mitchell, her proximity to David Hilliard allowed her to exploit his vulnerable state for her own benefit, highlighting how trust can be misused when power dynamics are unequal.
Silencing of Voices: Being close to white-dominated spaces or individuals often means that the voices and experiences of Black and non-white people are marginalized or silenced. This can prevent important perspectives from being heard and acknowledged.
Tokenism and Performative Inclusion: Proximity to whiteness can lead to tokenism, where a few individuals from marginalized groups are included only to give the appearance of diversity and inclusion. These individuals are often expected to represent their entire group and are not given genuine opportunities to influence decision-making. This performative inclusion serves to maintain the status quo rather than addressing systemic inequalities.
Perpetuation of White Supremacy: Proximity to whiteness also perpetuates the systems of white supremacy that oppress Black and non-white people. By maintaining the dominance of white perspectives and minimizing the contributions of marginalized individuals, these systems continue to thrive.
Co-Opting of Movements: White individuals and institutions may co-opt movements led by Black and non-white people, diverting attention and resources away from the original goals. This co-opting can dilute the movement's message and shift the focus towards issues that align more closely with white interests, thereby undermining the efforts to address the specific needs and concerns of marginalized communities.
Challenging Our Biases and Embracing Truth
Even if it were true, would that change your position in your advocacy? What seems more likely—that a man born in 1942 (20 years prior to the Civil Rights Movement) who fought for the liberation of not only his people but also for poor and disenfranchised individuals, would openly endorse a person with values such as Donald Trump, or that a white woman would take advantage of her positionality and power to exploit this man? For me, the answer is clear. As you unpack more and deal with the grief and truth of white supremacy, it will be clear to you as well.
Addressing Feelings of Exclusion Among White People in Community-Building Efforts
Many white people may feel left out of community-building efforts because of their potential harm simply by proximity. This barrier to inclusive communities must be dismantled by recognizing their white racial identity, becoming intersectional, and more. To counteract the dangers of proximity to whiteness, it is crucial to build ethical and inclusive advocacy practices that center the voices and experiences of marginalized communities. This involves:
Embracing Intersectionality: Understand and embrace the concept of intersectionality, which explores how various forms of oppression—such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism—interact and overlap. This awareness helps white individuals see beyond their own experiences and recognize the multifaceted nature of marginalization.
Elevating Marginalized Voices: Actively work to amplify the voices of Black and non-white individuals in all advocacy efforts. Create platforms for them to share their experiences and ensure their contributions are recognized and valued.
Challenging Power Imbalances: Address and dismantle the power imbalances that allow exploitation and marginalization to occur. Be aware of your own privileges and use them to support, rather than overshadow, marginalized voices.
Promoting Solidarity: Foster relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. This requires a commitment to listening, learning, and engaging with others in ways that honor their experiences and identities.
Ensuring Ethical Standards: Maintain high ethical standards in all advocacy efforts. Ensure that actions do not harm or exploit those you aim to support, particularly when they are in vulnerable positions (such as David Hilliard suffering from dementia). This includes respecting autonomy, acting with integrity, and being accountable for your actions even when they cause harm.
Understanding the Feeling of Exclusion
White individuals often experience feelings of exclusion in community-building efforts focused on marginalized groups. This feeling can stem from:
Historical Context: The historical and ongoing impact of white supremacy has created a power dynamic where white voices often dominate. Efforts to decenter whiteness can make white people feel sidelined or unwelcome.
Fear of Causing Harm: White individuals may fear that their presence or participation could inadvertently cause harm or perpetuate existing power imbalances. This fear can lead to self-exclusion or hesitation to engage.
Lack of Awareness: Without a deep understanding of their own racial identity and its implications, white people might struggle to find a role in movements that prioritize marginalized voices.
Honoring Ethical Advocacy
Ethical advocacy requires us to be fully aware of the power dynamics at play and to act with integrity and respect. This involves:
Respecting Autonomy: Ensuring that the voices and wishes of those we advocate for are heard and respected, especially when they are in vulnerable positions.
Acting with Integrity: Maintaining honesty and transparency in our advocacy efforts, and avoiding actions that could exploit or harm those we aim to support.
Continual Learning: Remaining committed to learning and growing as advocates, and being open to feedback and new information that can help us better serve our communities.
Lessons from the Black Panther Party
The Black Panther Party, under the leadership of figures like David Hilliard, emphasized the power of education and awareness in their advocacy. Their community programs, including free breakfast for children, health clinics, and educational initiatives, were designed to raise awareness and empower Black communities. These efforts illustrate how awareness can be a catalyst for substantial change.
David Hilliard and the Black Panther party continue to inspire Black advocates who fight for YOUR freedoms and liberties. The continued legacy gets passed along in the stories we tell our children in the services you benefit from today. I hope today you sit with some uncomfortable truths on how often white women will take advantage of their positionality and then play victim, especially when positioned next to a “scary” Black man. When our voices are not centered around our stories and our truths it only perpetuates more harm. These are the blatant truths of whiteness as a system. I will continue to push forward the truth and awareness in advocacy and be sure that my children are aware of the accurate truth and not the narratives of white supremacy.
Are you really seeking a change, or is it all lip service?
Moving Forward with Awareness
To build on the legacy of leaders like David Hilliard and ensure ethical advocacy, we must commit to continuous learning and awareness. Here are steps we can take:
Educate Ourselves: Continuously seek out information and perspectives from diverse sources. Read works by Black authors, attend workshops, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Challenge Biases: Reflect on and address our own biases. This involves questioning our assumptions and being open to new insights.
Amplify Marginalized Voices: Use your platforms to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals. This ensures that their experiences and insights are central to our advocacy efforts.
Maintain Ethical Standards: In all our advocacy work, uphold the highest ethical standards. This includes respecting the autonomy and dignity of those we advocate for.
Moving Forward
As we reflect on the importance of awareness in advocacy, let us commit to educating ourselves and others about the intersectionality of various Black identities. By doing so, we can challenge prejudices, foster inclusivity, and empower ourselves to be better advocates for justice. Let us honor the legacy of leaders like David Hilliard by continuing the fight for racial and LGBTQ+ equality with integrity and respect.
Awareness is a powerful tool for advocacy and change.
In solidarity and empowerment,