Bringing Social Justice Into Every Space You Occupy with Sacil Armstrong
EXPERT INTERVIEW
Sacil was the first person to guide me into the journey of social justice. She so gently questioned my harmful beliefs and informed me on what was actually happening in the world. Her ability to hold space with kindness and accountability is unparalleled. She’s a dear friend of mine and trusted advisor and teacher. I’m so beyond grateful for her work, her impact in my life and to be able to share her with genius you today.
Tell us about what you do through your business:
I teach equity as a habit instead of a goal. When equity is a value that you live, you bring social justice into every space you occupy. It's not a chore or contained to one part of your life. It becomes a way of being and behaving so that the people around you know they are seen and valued and that everyone else in your space is equally worthy, regardless of social norms or status.
What's happening in your business that you're excited about?
I'm so excited about having a membership community and a regular schedule for my content! Before creating the membership site, I was creating content in several places and feeling overwhelmed. Having one platform to house everything is so much easier! My community gets a new unit each Wednesday, following the four pillars: 1) self-care 2) know your facts 3) undo the work 4) rest and rejoice. Each Wednesday, I also post a blog and send an email sharing what I'm talking about and where to find it. I'm excited to focus on my most popular workshops - How to Talk to Your Racist Friends and Family and How White Supremacy Became the Invisible Norm. This way I can give people what they really want to know and give my community members the attention they need on their journey towards equity.
What brings you joy personally?
Swimming at the beach is my absolute favorite thing to do. It's fun. it's a workout, and it's healing. I also love art - abstract drawing, painting, clay, and beads. Using my hands and being messy is relaxing! When I don't have time or space for either of those, I love a good book.
What is your favorite way to celebrate accomplishments?
I celebrate with a happy dance and something good to eat!
Who inspires you most in the world when things feel hard?
I'm inspired by so many people that it's hard to choose just one! Right now, I'm leaning a lot on India.Arie. Her music is both grounding and uplifting. It's a good counter to a lot of what's on social media and in the news.
What do you want most people to know about making mistakes in Anti-oppression work?
The most important thing to know when doing any kind of anti-oppression work is that you WILL make mistakes. We're human. That's what we do! That's how we learn. When you make a mistake, apologize, *without centering your own feelings of inadequacy.* (Share those with someone in the dominant caste - another white person, an able-bodied or straight person, another man, whoever isn't in the group harmed by your actions.) Ask the person you harmed how you can make amends, and then follow through. Doing this over and over is how you become an ally and how you get over your fear of speaking up.
How do you make/find ease when you need it?
I let nature help. During the summer, I'm in the water as much as possible. As long as it's warm enough, I'm barefoot in the grass. I check in with myself several times a day to make sure I'm breathing through my belly. All of those things make space for big feelings, confusion, hurt, and even to feel the good things deeply.
The videos below are a 2-part replay from our interview from 2019 on Instagram.
Sacil Armstrong
I teach equity as a habit instead of a goal. When equity is a value that you live, you bring social justice into every space you occupy.
If you want to chat more with Sacil about this article, you can connect with her here.
Check out Sacil’s membership, Inspired by Indigo here.
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