“Are We Standing Silent or Standing Up?”

Have you ever been discriminated against or witnessed discrimination against someone else?

Discrimination can come in many forms. We are all aware of racial discrimination, especially with how prevalent it is in the news and the media. But what are the other bases of discrimination?

Discrimination, noun: “the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.” Google’s definition.

“Discrimination is the act of making unjustified distinctions between human beings based on the groups, classes, or other categories to which they are perceived to belong. People may be discriminated [against] on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation, as well as other categories. Discrimination especially occurs when individuals or groups are unfairly treated in a way which is worse than other people are treated, on the basis of their actual or perceived membership in certain groups or social categories. It involves restricting members of one group from opportunities or privileges that are available to members of another group.” Trusty Wikipedia.

Discriminatory actions, mindsets, behaviors, policies, agendas, procedures, LAWS, can be subtle or obvious.

I am a Black woman who is almost 31 years old. I grew up in a predominantly white town and lived in a very white suburban neighborhood. I was, and still am often, the only Black person and sometimes even the only woman in a space, both professionally and personally. I am part of the 2% of lawyers in the U.S. who are Black and female. I am part of the 5% of lawyers in the U.S. who are Black. I attended a predominantly white college and a law school that is apparently ranked #1 in its “whiteness.” (That article is actually not surprising. But the tagline of it is: “Diversity and inclusion matter. Some of these schools really need to shape up.” Give it a read once you finish reading this post!)

Not only do the law schools and other organizations need to shape up, but so do we. We as in our society. You think those Black Lives Matter protests that were held every other week last summer did the job? Ha! That’s crazy talk! Eliminating discrimination and actively improving diversity and inclusion in your workspace or social circles don’t just magically happen overnight, or even after 1 year. It’s sadly going to be a long and hard battle. It’s going to take a lifetime to have every one of every race, gender, age, religion, and sexual orientation treated equally and fairly. So, what are we going to DO about it?!

You have privilege. You have class privilege. You have sexuality privilege. You have ability privilege. Don’t feel guilty, feel motivated. Motivated to use your privilege to speak your mind. Motivated to stand up for others. Motivated to share your opinion. Motivated to shake things up and make changes. Motivated to lead. Motivated to be unapologetically Black.

You finally made it here. You are now consciously aware of the racial makeup of your surroundings. You notice when you’re the only Black person in a space. You are asking the questions and attending meetings to try to make sure that never happens again. You know when your Black voice needs to be heard. You notice when your corporation doesn’t have a diversity and inclusion department. You are making the plans to start one. You know being the only Black person in the room is not okay. And through all of this, you don’t apologize, you don’t feel guilty, you regret nothing, but most of all you don’t stand silent!

“Unapologetically Black” by Imani J.

The Athens-Anti Discrimination Movement (“AADM”) is an organization in Athens, Georgia that DOES something about it. It was founded by Mokah and Knowa Johnson in January 2016 to advocate for racial and social justice and combat discrimination of all forms. They have tons of programs, workshops, resources, and events where they are constantly furthering their mission and objectives. And I need to stop saying “they” and start saying “we” because I am a proud member of AADM! Check out the AADM website and their upcoming events calendar to get involved.

Not only am I a citizen member of Envision Athens, but I am also a board member and team leader with AADM. I feel that these organizations help further my goal of keeping Black and brown people (especially young people) out of the criminal justice system. I know that’s literally the definition of my day job, but these organizations help me achieve that goal outside of work. I am the Social Justice and Civil Rights Advocacy Team Leader. Whenever someone submits a discrimination complaint to AADM, the Advocacy team works with the complainant to achieve their goals. We provide educational resources and trainings, and if their complaint requires legal action, we help find them an attorney. (Sorry, I cannot legally represent you for your discrimination matter!)

I’ll say that being the Advocacy Team Leader has been, at times, challenging. Not challenging because of my team members (they are AWESOME!). But challenging because of that ugly word “doubt.” You already know some of my back story — submerged into predominantly white everything. But I also have achieved a lot and proven to be successful. So I already know that I can sometimes wear blinders to where if I see/experience something negative, I remove myself from it and look the other way. I used to say it was a way to protect my peace, but I know now it was me standing silent.

But what do I mean by doubt making my role in AADM challenging? Because I sometimes feel that regardless of what I do to assist and guide the complainant, the ultimate issue will not be resolved, so what’s the point? If it’s a form of employment discrimination, we can ask the workplace to attend a diversity and inclusion workshop, but then what? We can’t change who the leaders of that company are. We can’t change what’s been embedded in them their entire lives. And if their character and mindset are bred by discrimination, then I sometimes feel we are at a loss. But I already know that I’m wrong and I need to stop doubting my capabilities and start using the tools and resources I have to help the complainant who sits in front of me. Changing the world happens with 1 life at a time.

The AADM Advocacy Team currently has 15 open discrimination complaints with which the team is assisting. They’re complaints of discrimination based on race, status, sexual orientation, and gender. Some of the complainants need assistance filing claims and finding legal representation, while some are merely looking for an outlet to vent and to bring awareness to a specific issue/person/entity. Whatever the basis of the complaint or the needs of the complainant, our Advocacy Team is ready and able to help and to stand up! We all know that there are more than 15 people experiencing discrimination in Athens. Filing a complaint with AADM is a way to stand up and to have your voice heard. Even if your ultimate goal wasn’t achieved, you still DID something to shake things up! If you experience or witness forms of discrimination, are you going to stand up or stand silent?

*If this post didn’t touch on a category in which you belong, please do not feel offended. The purpose of this post is to raise awareness of discrimination and ways to get involved.*

“Learn to do good, seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” — Isaiah 1:17, NKJV.

Moni Jay, Off the Record