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Porsha Williams and W. Kamau Bell Share How to Fight for Racial Justice
The WWHL guests highlighted resources, as well as tips for getting involved.
Porsha Williams of The Real Housewives of Atlanta and activist and comedian W. Kamau Bell joined Andy Cohen to continue their virtual discussion on the Black Lives Matter movement and the current state of our nation during a special two-part episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. During the second half of the conversation, they explained some actionable steps and noted a number of specific organizations people can become involved with to make a change.
“What do you say to white people with little experience discussing race who are eager to fight for racial justice and want to educate themselves and put in the work, but they’re worried about stepping into a minefield or doing and saying the wrong thing?” Andy asked in the video above.
“Be confident in doing the and saying the wrong thing,” Bell suggested. “You’re going to do and say the wrong thing. Accept it. And when you do and say the wrong thing, do this thing that humans do called apologizing and working to make it better.”
Porsha noted that although this is a difficult topic for everyone, staying silent is harmful.
“This whole conversation is intimidating. This whole conversation is uncomfortable. Even for me, and I’m living in Black skin,” said Porsha. “So I understand white people feeling like they don’t know what to say, but silence is the worst thing to do.”
She continued by explaining that it’s vital to amplify Black voices, adding that social media is a powerful tool that can be used in the long run.
“I would just say to white people, see yourself in the movement. Understand that if you don’t make a move, then you will also be in trouble in the end. It’s not just gonna be Black people. As you can see, they’re putting these curfews and Marshall’s Law is starting to happen, everybody gotta go in the house. It ain’t just Black folks. See yourself in the movement. Take a look inside of who you are.”
Later in the discussion, Andy asked Bell and Porsha to share some specific resources.
“We are getting out people who have been peacefully protesting, Dennis and I,” said Porsha. “They can just email helpus@newcivilrights.org, and that’s what we’re doing. Also, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund is another one I think is great, as well.”
“I’m highlighting an organization called Live Free USA at LiveFreeUSA.org,” explained Bell. “There’s a program right now called Masks for the People that is helping Black and brown folks who are being hit hardest by COVID-19 to get free PPE, hand sanitizer, and masks.”
Andy also mentioned two organizations, adding, “I first want to highlight the American Civil Liberties Union, which I have joined officially. I know Kamau is an ambassador for racial justice there. And I also want people to know about the National Black Justice Coalition, a civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black LGBTQ people, including people living with HIV/AIDS. The NBJC is committed to criminal justice, and prison reform, which is vital in light of the wave or protestors presently being arrested by police. And they’re currently fighting to protect Black families against COVID-19, as they’ve been disproportionately affected by the virus.”
For the latest reporting on the Black Lives Matter movement from NBC News and MSNBC’s worldwide team of correspondents, including a live blog with minute-to-minute updates, visit NBCNews.com and NBCBLK.
