Since the last time we spoke, the world is in a different place — so this is an extra special bunny. Burners aren’t known to shy away from hard conversations, and this moment is no exception. Burning Man Project recently published a statement supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and deepening our commitment to the principle of Radical Inclusion. Senior Communications Manager Dom also shares his experience as a Burner and a person of color and his perspective on how our community can get involved. It's part of our ongoing series on diversity and Radical Inclusion. Do you have your own diversity and Radical Inclusion story? We’re inviting story submissions, and we'd love to share your words on one of our channels.

Around the U.S., Burners have been responding to protests. Black Burner Project founder Erin Douglas now hosts weekly conversations about a range of topics related to diversity in the Burnersphere. We’ve watched conversations emerge from friends in all corners of the Internet about what Burning Man could be doing to be more Radically Inclusive, and how white Burners can combat racism and stand behind our Black campmates.

If you’re not already, consider this an invitation to stretch your civic responsibility muscles. If you’re participating in protests, don’t forget to unpack your masks, goggles and bandanas from your dusty bins – stay safe, friends! Take care of one another. Put your fragility on the line. Donate. Stay on your toes. Hold out your hands to one another, beautiful people (metaphorically — or use lots of hand sanitizer). The world needs you.

Burning Man Project stands in solidarity with the Black community in the fight for racial justice. This is a time to listen, to reflect, and to learn. We acknowledge we have our own work to do to truly live up to the principle of Radical Inclusion, and we’re here for it. Let’s make the global Burning Man community, including Black Rock City, more inclusive for Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color. Let’s amplify voices and ideas that will lead us to a more equitable society. Let’s create the space to listen and have the conversations needed to make permanent positive change in this world. Burners have always been doers, so let’s do this. Black Lives Matter.

Read Burning Man Project's Statement on Racial Justice and Radical Inclusion

Across the U.S., Burners have stepped up to support injured protestors and their cities during the demonstrations calling for racial justice. In Texas, Street Medics Austin staff a volunteer-run medical outpost across from APD headquarters. In Denver, one Burner set up a sanctuary for injured protesters, collecting money, water, and other supplies. For the last 10 days, Gate, Perimeter and Exodus volunteers Chris “Hurricane” Hopkins and David “Dizzy” Walsh have been gathering donations and redistributing them at protests in Sacramento, CA. They've also been keeping crowds motivated with music and providing water, pizza, burritos, donuts, umbrellas, and masks.

(Photo by Eleanor Preger)

 

Dominique Debucquoy-Dodley writes:

"We’re in a national moment, yet again, that demands pushing forward in the face of injustice. As a Burner and a person of color, I’m feeling an increased need to use my skillset and align my many cultural principles in helpful ways. I know many of you are too. . . . What role do we want Burning Man to play in this moment? It’ll be at least 14 months before we gather in the dust again. Burners, we have a chance to be part of this conversation."

Read more in the Burning Man Journal

(Photo by Erin Douglas)

This long-form series by Dominique Debucquoy-Dodley aims to spark conversation about diversity, Radical Inclusion, and differences in the global Burning Man community. Jump in to read great conversations on juicy topics like where the lines are for cultural appropriation of art, music, and fashion, is “Why aren’t there more people of color at Burning Man?” the question we should be asking, how far the 10 Principles stretch beyond the playa, and what being a year-round, worldwide culture means for the inclusiveness and diversity of Burning Man.

Read more in the Burning Man Journal

(Composite image by Tanner Boeger)

Nexus writes:

"We can bring all the intentions we want to a space, to our Burns, to Black Rock City, but unless we’re also unpacking our unconscious biases, there’s often a lot that we are unintentionally bringing as well. We often think of these Temporary Autonomous Zones as starting from a blank slate, but there is a foundation that we bring from the default world that we have to intentionally stop bringing."

Read more in the Burning Man Journal

(Photo by Kate Beale)

Burning Man Project stands in solidarity with the Black community in the fight for racial justice. We recognize we have a lot of work to do and we're just getting started.

Want your creativity featured on Burning Man’s Instagram? Whether you can whip up slick graphics or just have a photo of folks doing the good work, send it to instagram@burningman.org.

Follow @burningman on Instagram for more examples of how NOT to get Engagement™ with your Brand™.

(Photo by Vanessa Franking. Design by Tanner Boeger.)

G Levy writes:

"Just 1% of Black Rock City's 70,000 attendees are Black. This video examines racism in America through the lens of Burning Man, exploring why few Black people participate in this annual cultural festival in the Nevada Desert."

Watch video

Eamon Armstrong writes:

"Radical inclusivity is one of Burning Man’s 10 Principles, but is it enough simply to say 'All are welcome?' Or should the Burner community take proactive steps to make people of color feel welcome?" A conversation with JR Nexus Russ.

Listen to podcast

(Photo courtesy of Eamon Armstrong)

We're excited to showcase live events related to Radical Inclusion on our new portal, Kindling. Dive in to explore live participatory experiences hosted by creators, community leaders and instigators throughout the multiverse. If you're organizing an event (virtual town hall, live conversation, workshop, celebration, etc.) that you'd like the Burning Man community to participate in, we welcome you to submit it to Kindling.

Share your events with Kindling

Art: “Portal” by David Oliver, 2019 (Photo by Lukasz Szczepanski)

Que Viva theme camp writes:

"A call to action for white-led Burning Man camps: Now is an important time to show up for our black siblings. Here are some anti-racism resources for white people to explore. In addition to attending a march, vigil, and/or meeting, please have conversations and start doing some self or group education about how racism works. Anti-blackness is so permeated into our imagination that it requires a real practice to undo."

Check out the resources

(Image by Que Viva theme camp)

Kat Beyer writes:

"I didn’t really notice how white we were for a long time, because that’s how we whites generally roll unless we’re pushed to change. But now it stands out so clearly it hurts, and it should. Because those of us who are white burners are in a unique position to help our larger society grow out of its childish, head-in-the-sand state. Here are the tools we’ve got, white burners. Let us use them."

Read more on Facebook

(Photo by Tony Edwards)

Christopher Breedlove writes:

Burners Without Borders offers resources to get involved in a local mutual aid network. These networks are in regions all over the world, and are growing the material solidarity and relationships across class, race and community lines that will be essential for the long haul.

Find out more

(Image by Krystal Lauk)

We are in a moment that demands pushing forward in the face of racial injustice. This is a time to reflect, to listen, and to learn. We want to amplify voices from our global community, and we want to share your stories! You may submit either concept ideas or full drafts. Your submission may be published on the Burning Man website, the Burning Man Journal, the Jackrabbit Speaks newsletter, and/or our social networking channels.

Share your story

Art: “Head Maze” by Matthew Schultz and The Pier Group, 2019 (Photo by Henry Wu)

This week, we are inviting our community to support organizations committed to racial justice and to independent media shining light on important racial issues. Some organizations that have been recommended to us are the NAACP, Unicorn Riot, Black Visions Collective, and Reclaim the Block. If their work matters to you, we encourage you to consider supporting them financially, volunteering, or otherwise offering resources.

Please also consider supporting Black Burner Project, an amazing community initiative from Erin Douglas that aims to educate, drive inclusivity, share stories, and support Burners of color on their journey to the playa and beyond. You can also contribute to bail funds in your own city or others, and support Black-owned businesses in your community.

(Photo by Eleanor Preger)

 

Where: Online
When: Every Wednesday, 5-6pm (PT)

Join Burners Without Borders' weekly online conversations focusing on the response to COVID-19 and racial justice. Are you working on a community project? Tell us about it! Is there a project you are trying to bring to the world and need support? Bring it!

Join Facebook event

Where: Online
When: Weekly, 8:30pm ET

Erin Douglas, the founder of Black Burner Project, hosts weekly conversations with Black participants about everything from their first time at Black Rock City to real talk for white Burning Man. Check out her Instagram for the latest details, including dates and guests.

Tune into IGTV

(Photo by Isiah Roberts)

On heavy rotation in Mia's headphones:

Four Tet's Black Lives Matter playlist

Burning Man Project Facebook
Burning Man Project on Twitter
ePlaya: Burner BBS
Spark: Connecting people with projects
Beyond Burning Man on Medium: Dispatches on impact and innovation from BRC and beyond
Burning Man Journal: The paper of record for Burning Man culture
Subscribe to the Burning Man Journal
The Burning Man Regional Network: Connect with Burners in your hometown!
Burners Without Borders: A network of civic engagement and resiliency project leaders
Burners Without Borders Facebook

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Credits:
Editor: Leslie Moyer, Mia Quagliarello
Looking Over Shoulders: Megan Miller, Dominique Debucquoy-Dodley
Design & Development: Silvia Stephenson
Original Jackrabbit (O.J.): Marian Goodell
Jackrabbits Emeriti: Andie Grace, Will Chase, Jon Mitchell, Jane Lyons
Header Photograph: Dandelion puff
Photographer Credit: Stephane Lanoux

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