Willard's Statement of Solidarity

Willard Residential College stands in solidarity with the Black community both at Northwestern and in the United States at large against the acts of racism and police brutality that permeate this country. We extend our condolences to the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and the countless other Black folx who have suffered due to systematic anti-Black racism and oppression in our country.

As members of the Northwestern community and as individuals, we must be aware of our privileges and the power that comes with them. Inaction only further reinforces the systems that continue to oppress Black people in the United States. 

We understand that this time is very difficult for many members of our community, and we would like to extend our support to those who may need it. As a residential college, we would also like to be transparent in this matter and would welcome feedback from community members.

We would also like to include some resources for support and education.

Educate yourself. Do not expect BIPOC to educate you on racism; seek out information yourself. We encourage you to read and watch works by Black creators.

• Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh

• 8 Lessons from “The Future of Solidarity: How White People Can Support the Movement for Black Lives” - Catalyst Project

• “What White People Must Do to Fight Racism” - by Andre Henry

• Mental Health Issues Facing the Black Community - Sunshine Behavioral Health

• Pod For the Cause (podcast)

• About Race (podcast)

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Maya Angelou

• Between the World and Me - Ta-Nehisi Coates

Learn how to become an anti-racist. Many institutions and systems in our country are founded on racism. It’s our responsibility to educate ourselves and work towards becoming antiracist, actively calling out and working against racism, inequalities, prejudices, and discrimination based on race.

• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

• So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

• The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

• Antiracist Allyship Starter Pack

Donate. If you are able, please contribute to one or more of the following.

• George Floyd Memorial Fund - The official GoFundMe to support the Floyd family.

• Black Visions Collective - A Minnesota based organization aiming to dismantle oppressive and violent systems to support long-term, transformative change.

• Reclaim the Block - A coalition that works to build community-led safety initiatives in Minneapolis.

• North Star Health Collective - An organization dedicated to providing health care services to those in need, including protesters.

• Campaign Zero - A campaign conducting research to introduce policies that end police brutality in the United States.