Thread by @anjuan, I've received a number of replies and DMs about what people can [...]

I've received a number of replies and DMs about what people can do to dismantle systematic racism and replace it with a system of justice. Specifically, how can you become an Anti-Racist in tech and support Black technologists?

I wrote my talk, "Lending Privilege", to directly answer that question.

https://anjuansimmons.com/talks/lending-privilege/

However, since I'm a software engineering manager, most of "Lending Privilege" is for managers and engineering leaders.

So, what can you do if you're not a manager, but you want to help your Black colleagues? I have four suggestions.

First, if you want to provide financial support, I can think of no better organization than @BlackGirlsCode founded by @6Gems. I'm sure a donation in any amount would help.

You can donate money or equipment here: https://www.blackgirlscode.com/donations.html

As a Black man in tech, I'm here to tell you that the best thing you can do for Black men in tech is support Black women in tech. Allow me to explain.

Do you remember the film "Titanic?" Towards the end of the film, after the ship hit the iceberg, there were lots of people in distress. Some people were in lifeboats and others were in the freezing water.

Relatively speaking, the position of Black men in tech are the folks in the lifeboats. Black women are the people in the ice cold water. But, you know what? The boats who rushed in to focus on the people freezing in the water also provided resources to help everyone else.

That's why I think Anti-Racists in tech should center your work on the needs of Black women. Due to how intersectionality works, Black women endure more adverse impact than Black men across the board. So, let's direct the bulk of our energy towards helping them.

Second, you can educate yourself. There are a ton of books and resources out there, and I know it can be overwhelming. So, I'm going to make it easy for you. Buy a copy of "So You Want to Talk about Race" by Ijeoma Oluo https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Talk-About-Race/dp/1580056776

So You Want to Talk About Race

So You Want to Talk About Race

https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Talk-About-Race/dp/1580056776

However, don't read it alone. Get a group of your (non-Black) family and friends to read it with you. Have a discussion. Ijeoma's book is too good to just read by yourself. You'll probably learn a lot about your family and friends.

Third, if you're reading this, you're on Twitter. Follow Black people who do what you do. You'll learn a lot about their lived experiences.

Also, three Black women I highly recommend following are @EricaJoy, @tiffani, and @ellmcgirt. They are wise. You will be better for it.

Learn from them, but don't burden them with the emotional labor of educating you. That's work you need to own for yourself.

You may need to read Ijeoma's book again.

Fourth, support the work of your Black co-workers. One odd thing about racism is that it can make Black people invisible. "I don't see color" becomes "I don't see you" far more easily than you may realize. There's some awesome work being done by the Black people at your company.

I can say that confidently because I have a sense of how hard it was for them to get there. So, give them a shout out. Recognize their work. Tell your colleagues and bosses even if they work in a different department. Don't mention the person's race. Be a champion for their work.

I think these are useful first steps, but they aren't sufficient to fully operate as an Anti-Racist. Also, there are nuances that can't be captured in a tweet. However, they are good guidelines for people who need a place to start.

Give them a try and then let's talk some more.

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