A few things I have learned about divesting from systems of oppression and who I learned it from.

A thread:

If you have societal privilege, one way you can divest from systems of oppression is by not taking up space. You cannot be an expert on all things, your lived experience is your expertise, don’t take up space where marginalized folks should be centered (learned from @JMaseIII) 1/

If you have societal privilege, one way you can divest from systems of oppression is by demanding diversity in spaces where you have influence. Turn down opportunities to demand the space you are taking be occupied by marginalized folks (learned from @AjaSaysHello) 2/

If you have societal privilege, one way you can divest from systems of oppression is by sharing where you learned things from. It is a function of systems of oppression to appear as enlightened by virtue of being. Nobody is (learned from @ leesareneehall *insta*) 3/

If you have societal privilege, one way you can divest from systems of oppression is by amplifying the voices of marginalized folks. The spotlight is always on the privileged, divert attention from self and toward the marginalized (learned from @Imani_Barbarin) 4/

If you have societal privilege, one way you can divest from systems of oppression is by purposefully and intentionally learning from marginalized folks, and investing on their projects, voices, ideas, lives (learned from @ sassylatte *insta*) 5/

If you have societal privilege, one way you can divest from systems of oppression is by holding those with power and privilege accountable. Marginalized identities are over policed by the system as it is. You don’t need to pile on (learned from @ shishi.rose *insta*) 6/

If you have societal privilege, one way you can divest from systems of oppression is by sacrificing your privilege for equity, and asking others to do the same. In an equitable society you’ll be fine too (learned from @ thefatsextherapist *insta*) 7/

If you have societal privilege, one way you can divest from systems of oppression is by finding ways for marginalized folks to rest. Rest is resistance but in oppressive systems marginalized folks don’t have the privilege of rest (learned from @TheNapMinistry) 8/

If you have societal privilege, one way you can divest from systems of oppression is by centering the well-being of marginalized identities with your votes, and the initiatives you support, your well-being is guaranteed in the system (learned from @lilnativeboy) 9/

If you have societal privilege, one way you can divest from systems of oppression is by offering your expertise and accessibility for the support of marginalized folks. The system gives you credibility it doesn’t afford others (learned from @arayabaker) 10/