The History of Showing Up for Racial Justice

Summary

The transcript outlines the founding and evolution of SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice), established in 2009 in response to the racial backlash following the election of Barack Obama. It emphasizes the need for white people to take responsibility in dismantling white supremacy and to work in solidarity with communities of color. The discussion highlights key moments in history that catalyzed SURJ’s growth, such as the rise of Black Lives Matter and the murders of Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor. SURJ’s approach, focused on mutual interest and 'calling in' white people, seeks to build a broad base of support for racial justice, emphasizing that true liberation benefits everyone.

Takeaways

• 😀 SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) was founded in 2009, in response to the backlash against the election of the first Black president, focusing on the race-based, virulent nature of that backlash.
• 😀 SURJ's mission is not just about responding to Obama's election but addressing what the backlash reveals about the persistence of racism in society.
• 😀 The movement was initially driven by Southerners, who were deeply aware of the ongoing racial struggles, and expanded through conversations across the country.
• 😀 The central question that sparked SURJ’s formation was, 'What are white people doing to step up?'—which called for greater white accountability in the fight for racial justice.
• 😀 SURJ’s approach emphasizes collective responsibility, with the goal of mobilizing white people to actively work against white supremacy and build a racially just society.
• 😀 The work of SURJ is rooted in the legacy of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which challenged white people to organize in their own communities for racial justice.
• 😀 SURJ rejects individualistic approaches and emphasizes organizing with people of color, ensuring accountability and shared responsibility in the movement.
• 😀 Major national events such as the killing of Trayvon Martin, the rise of Black Lives Matter, and the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor were pivotal moments that catalyzed growth for SURJ.
• 😀 The organization strives to reshape the culture of white organizing, aiming to move away from competitiveness and perfectionism, and instead fostering a culture of 'calling in'—reaching out in love and support to help people grow.
• 😀 The core motivation for white people in this work is 'mutual interest'—recognizing that fighting white supremacy benefits all people, including those affected by poverty, criminalization, and systemic injustice.
• 😀 SURJ stresses that the dismantling of white supremacy is a collective effort, requiring a large base of white people in strategic solidarity with Black, brown, and Indigenous people to create meaningful change.

Q & A

What was the primary context for the creation of SURJ in 2009?

SURJ was created in response to the backlash against the election of the first Black president, Barack Obama. The backlash was race-based, brutal, and well-funded, prompting the need for white people to step up and address white supremacy.

Why did the creation of SURJ particularly resonate with Southerners?

Southerners were already aware of the racial challenges in the country, and they understood that the backlash against Obama was not a one-off event. SURJ was initiated by Southerners who were directly involved in fighting white supremacy in their own communities.

How did the creation of SURJ answer the question posed by people of color?

SURJ was formed as a response to the question from people of color, 'What are white people doing to step up?' It represented an answer to that challenge, emphasizing the need for white people to get involved in dismantling white supremacy and working toward a racially just society.

What is the significance of the historical connection to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)?

SURJ draws inspiration from SNCC's challenge to white people to organize within their own communities for racial justice. This call was echoed in the civil rights movement, with Malcolm X urging white allies to work within their own neighborhoods to fight for racial justice.

How does SURJ approach the concept of accountability?

SURJ views accountability as a key part of its mission, holding white people responsible for their role in upholding white supremacy. This accountability is not about guilt or charity, but about taking responsibility and working in solidarity with people of color to create lasting change.

What is the key strategy behind the concept of 'calling in' in SURJ's work?

'Calling in' is a strategy that emphasizes reaching out to others with love and compassion. It is about building a movement that allows people to grow, make mistakes, and learn from them. This strategy promotes inclusivity and understanding, rather than exclusion and judgment.

How does SURJ explain the relationship between white supremacy and white people's own freedom?

SURJ advocates for white people to understand that undermining white supremacy benefits everyone, including white people. The struggle for Black liberation is framed as a shared struggle for the freedom of all people, recognizing that the oppression of others impacts white people's lives as well.

What is meant by the 'mutual interest' approach in SURJ’s organizing work?

The 'mutual interest' approach emphasizes that white people have a shared stake in the fight against racism, as it ultimately impacts their own freedom and humanity. This concept connects the struggle for racial justice to personal experiences such as poverty, incarceration, and criminalization, showing that a just society benefits everyone.

What role do watershed moments like Trayvon Martin's death and the rise of Black Lives Matter play in SURJ's growth?

These pivotal moments serve as opportunities for organizing, as they challenge people to question the status quo and spur them into action. Such events have driven significant growth for SURJ by helping people understand the urgency of addressing racial injustice.

How does SURJ view white silence in the context of racial justice?

SURJ considers white silence to be one of the greatest barriers to racial justice. It emphasizes the need for white people to speak out and take action against white supremacy in order to bring about meaningful change, joining forces with Black, brown, and Indigenous communities.