Speaking Up and Giving Yourself Permission with Nariah Broadus

When I started this series that I’m calling “Now More than Ever” the global pandemic of the Corona Virus was the backdrop. And now on June 4, 2020 when I am publishing this recording, we still are in the midst of the pandemic plus now in the US, we also have an out pouring of hurt and anger from displays of racism and social injustice with the murder of George Floyd.

There is so much that I want to say and I want to use my platform as a way to do it. And I also want to use this way of communication to be real and honest, to share where I am and what I’m doing. Hoping to inspire you. 

As a white woman, I am very aware that I have work I need to do against systemic racism and my own color blindness. I have taken to educating myself, reading books, listening and paying attention when I’d rather turn away. Below, I’m sharing some resources that I’ve found helpful for my own journey.

As a white woman in business, I am trying to figure out how to show up now. I have delayed things that I had planned for June. It doesn’t feel right for me to be pitching a program with the backdrop of so many who are hurting and standing up for what’s right. Using my social media as a space to amplify what is happening has felt right to me and you can follow along on in my Instagram Stories.

I’ve also donated to causes such as Black Lives Matter, The Bail Project and ACLU as well as supporting some of the contributors I have listed in my resources: Rachel Cargle, Trudi LeBron and Jessica McLean.

Please know, this isn’t about tooting my own horn or getting “the woke” gold star. I am wanting to share that there are ways all of us can help. Not everyone is meant to protest. Help is needed in many areas and there are ways you can make a difference.

What didn’t get delayed during this time was the conversation with my friend Nariah Broadus that I am sharing with you today. Nariah is one of my trusted coaches and friends and we are both on the Leadership Team for the Courageous Living Coach Certification. And she is also a woman of color.

Having had this recording already scheduled, I wanted to be sure that Nariah was still up to having it. I would certainly understand if she chose to reschedule.

Nariah very willingly agreed to have the conversation around speaking up and giving yourself permission. She feels it's important for us all to step out of the stories we are telling ourselves. And she felt the conversation was not just about race relations but also speaking up in your life and giving yourself permission to do so. She believes this is what brings about positive change.

I’m hoping that you not only learn about giving yourself permission but also about being willing to be messy with it. Be messy with knowing that speaking up for the bigger things like speaking out against racism means that it’s okay to not have the exact word or know exactly what to say. Please realize that no one is expecting that. 

As white women we need to realize we have more influence and power than we ever thought possible. So please use this time to listen, really listen, to learn and to take action. 

The links to the resources below will help you do that - but also be aware of reaching out to your black neighbors and friends. Let them know you are listening and learning. Ask them what they need for support....and be willing to listen. Do more listening than talking - even if it’s uncomfortable. 

I’ve already heard from listeners in my Facebook Group where Nariah and I recorded this conversation as a Facebook Live. I’ve heard steps being taken to reach out and steps being taken in learning and awareness. 

My hopes are that this inspires you too.

LINKS

To learn more about Nariah, visit NariahBroadus.com.

ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES

Rachel Cargle’s Free #DotheWork Course

Even though this course is free, please consider offering a donation as a support to the work that Rachel provides. https://www.paypal.me/rachelcargle

Anti-Racism Resources Google Document compiled by Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein

75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice

Follow these anti-racist accounts on social media

How to live a more anti-racist life - additional links to consider

FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

For white coaches, Trudi Lebron’s replay of Show Up & Serve.

Jessica McLean’s workshop for non-black entrepreneurs, What the Heck Do I Do?

BOOKS

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, PhD

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Have additional resources you’d like to share? Please do so in the comments below.