This February, we would like to celebrate and honor Black History Month, as we have and continue to be amazed and inspired by the beauty and strength of our black community. 

As an ally, sometimes it might feel like we're not saying or doing the right thing to express our support and solidarity - but the message is too important to not share:  

We need to listen to black voices. 


Think about how often friends, family, co-workers and/or acquaintances have handed you a line about how sexual assault and domestic violence is something survivors and supporters just blow out of proportion, that it isn't as big of a problem as it's made out to be, that people are out here just making false accusations against perfectly innocent men to ruin their reputations and lives - and that's a general attitude you'll run into when you start trying to open this conversation at all; 

Now, understand how much more struggle and adversity truly does stand in the way of black survivors having their voices heard.

We don't want anyone to walk away from this conversation feeling like it is acceptable to not acknowledge that racism and implicit biases DO exist, disadvantage, and actively harm black survivors. This isn't a debate; it's documented, and we're all on the internet, so, the only thing standing between reading these words right here and reading the many, many published studies that demonstrate what's we're merely echoing is the truth, is, well, willful and complicit ignorance.

We need to listen to black voices. 
And we need to teach the truth.

Please read the following article from RAINN concerning unique challenges facing black survivors, and if you need support or help, please know your voice, your story, your life is important - never stop resisting abuse and violence.

For Many Black Survivors, Reporting Raises Complicated Issues



Other resources:

The National Center of Violence Against Women in the Black Community

National Black Women's Justice Institute

We, As Ourselves

Me Too Movement

1 Billion 4 Black Girls

A Long Walk Home

Black Women's Blueprint

SASHA Center