This poem, by Langston Hughes, was published in 1931 — nearly 100 years ago — and is still relevant, and still too true.

With a global health crisis, economic upheaval, racial violence and civil unrest, it’s no wonder we’re tired but what’s worse is that this is not new. This is again and again and still.

The world may be on fire, but it’s been burning all along.

With this new urgency, what can we do?

“White people need to do a lot of introspective work to understand the ways in which they personally contribute to, benefit from and tolerate white supremacy,” says Leslie Mac, community organizer.

While we may never fully understand, we can listen, learn, and work for change. Here’s a start:

Watch: I Am Not Your Negro
A chilling, essential film featuring the powerful writing of James Baldwin, combined with historical context against contemporary events. Free on Amazon Prime. 95 minutes that will expand your mind.

Read: How To Be An Antiracist
At my library, the waiting list for this book runs six months long — which gives me hope that change is possible. Can’t wait? Purchase from your favorite bookstore.

Talk less, listen more:
For white allies, this is not the time to prove your “goodnesss” by sharing how racism makes you feel.

“Any ‘allyship’ rooted in performance is not effective,” notes Mac. “If the action you are taking has any component of making you feel like you did something versus knowing something was done, then you know you aren’t productive.”