There's a lot of discussion on whether antiracism work should focus on systems or individuals.
In my opinion, the answer is yes. It's a both/and.
Systems undoubtedly need to be dismantled. And, individuals make up systems. To dismantle systems the individuals in power need to change and contribute to dismantling the systems.
Here's the other part. Each one of us is intrinsically motivated and driven to make an impact in different ways.
Some of us are driven to make an impact at the societal level. Some of us at the organizational level. Some at the individual level.
Whatever you're driven by, it's relevant. When we try to do – or are asked to do, or are expected to do – work that we aren't motivated by, aren't good at, or don't like, we do mediocre work at best.
I work best with individuals. I am motivated by helping individuals change and improve and contribute more optimally to a more equitable and racially just world.
And, those individuals work at organizations and are part of society. I collaborate with others who are motivated by driving organizational and societal impact, and we each bring our strengths and experiences together in a collective vision.
If you're committed to dismantling racist systems, you will find the best way to dismantle racist systems.