Skip to main content

Let's Talk About It: Put Up or Shut Up
by Anthony L. Hubbard
facetune_13-03-2024-22-36-16.jpg

People are really out here performing as if they are change agents, but we're not talking about that. In the fight for Black liberation, it's time to put up or shut up. The days of performative measures and empty promises are long gone. Real change requires action, not just words. It’s time to get out from behind the desk, step away from the meeting rooms, and engage directly with our communities.

We’ve all seen it—endless meetings that result in little to no tangible outcomes. While planning and discussions have their place, they should not overshadow the importance of being actively engaged on the ground. It’s time to move beyond performative measures and make real, lasting impacts.

Talking about change is easy. Implementing it is where the challenge lies. We must prioritize direct engagement, understanding the needs and struggles of our communities firsthand. This means less time spent on performative actions and more time working on concrete solutions.

Being present in our communities is a powerful act of solidarity and support. It allows us to build trust, understand real issues, and develop effective strategies that address the root causes of systemic oppression. Let’s prioritize showing up and doing the work over merely talking about it.

True empowerment comes from working hand-in-hand with those we aim to support. By actively engaging with our communities, we can identify the most pressing issues and implement solutions that have a real impact. This hands-on approach is essential for driving meaningful change.

As leaders and advocates, we must lead by example. This means transitioning from plans to practice, from meetings to meaningful action. Our commitment to Black liberation must be evident in our actions, not just our words. Let’s show our communities that we are dedicated to making a difference through direct, impactful work.

In the quest for Black liberation, let’s commit to fewer meetings and more action. The time for performative measures is over. Real change requires us to be present, engaged, and actively working to dismantle systemic barriers. Let’s put up or shut up, and show that our commitment to liberation is unwavering and grounded in direct, impactful work.

Let’s make a conscious effort to reduce performative measures and increase our direct engagement. Together, through hands-on work and real action, we can achieve greater impact and create lasting change.

Stay active. Stay engaged. And most importantly, stay committed to making a difference through action.

Let's talk
We would love to hear from you!