It's difficult for White people to sustain an antiracism effort because it's exhausting.
But nowhere near as exhausting as Black people living with racism every moment of every day.
Our threshold as White people needs to be higher. We can't let our privilege kick in and peace out of the conversation whenever we get tired.
Because it's too hard. Because it's too challenging. Because we get pushback from our peers/colleagues/boss/friends/family.
Because we're not sure what to do. Because one person says we should do this, and another person says we should do the exact opposite.
Because we're confused. Because we're overwhelmed. Because we're uncertain how to proceed.
This is all part of the work. We will be criticized, questioned, attacked, dismissed.
Our authenticity will be doubted. Our commitment will be suspect. We will be accused of not doing enough, doing too much, doing it wrong, practicing the superficial art of performative allyship.
This happens to all of us. In fact, it happened to me today. Twice.
I'd be lying if it doesn't make me pause, rethink, reconsider.
Make me ask: Am I doing the right thing? Should I be doing this work?
I do get tired. I do need breaks. I do need to refuel.
I listen. I reflect. I learn. And I carry on.
And so should you.