The first day after Black History Month, a Caucasian brother from another mother, Jason Chesnut declared March as #WhitenessHistoryMonth on Twitter .

#WhitenessHistoryMonth begins today with the beginning of our legal framework in this country. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/xelWB16kBz

— Jason Chesnut (@crazypastor) March 1, 2016

Much like a similarly-titled month celebrated at a Portland college, the hashtag was initially met with opposition. But once explained, many soon supported his effort. Here are the 17 things we learned on the first day of #WhitenssHistoryMonth.

1. The definition of #WhitenessHistoryMonth according to Chesnut.

“#WhitenessHistoryMonth is about the history of white power and privilege in the US, and how it is relevant today.” @crazypastor

— Benjamin YoungSavage (@benjancewicz) March 1, 2016

2. What #WhitenessHistoryMonth is not.

#WhitenessHistoryMonth is NOT about spotlighting white people.

It is about recognizing the inherent problems white people cause.

— Benjamin YoungSavage (@benjancewicz) March 1, 2016

3. White supremacy’s ills predated the actual founding of this nation.

We begin even further back than the U.S. Constitution – almost 200 years, actually.#WhitenessHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/CQ4tCMceH8

— Jason Chesnut (@crazypastor) March 1, 2016

4. The definition of whiteness within this context.

.@MsPackyetti – “Whiteness” is the social construct that led to white supremacy…but also infused itself into our society. IMO.

— Jason Chesnut (@crazypastor) March 1, 2016

5. Exploring whiteness is not meant to demonize or shame white people.

White people! Talking about whiteness in the U.S. is not pissing on our ancestors’ graves. It’s being honest.#WhitenessHistoryMonth

— Jason Chesnut (@crazypastor) March 1, 2016

6. It isn’t a ploy of the so-called White Man’s Burden or White guilt.

@crazypastor @DabsMcplenty look at this bullshit! #whiteguilt

— José (@joej71009) March 1, 2016

The “bullshit” being the Constitution defining black people as 3/5 of a person? I agree.#WhitenessHistoryMonth https://t.co/0eZHFjL6wN

— Jason Chesnut (@crazypastor) March 1, 2016

7. It’s a necessary process to undoing a legacy of wrongs.

We can’t dismantle what we don’t first name, claim, and recognize. #WhitenessHistoryMonth

— Jason Chesnut (@crazypastor) March 1, 2016

8. It was not established to hinder or devalue other celebratory efforts.

#WhitenessHistoryMonth doesn’t replace #WomensHistoryMonth, which is also in March.

You can totally tweet about both.

— Benjamin YoungSavage (@benjancewicz) March 1, 2016

9. It opens dialogue concerning race as it pertains to other social movements.

But it does bring awareness to the fallacy of #whitefeminism! #whitenesshistorymonth #WomensHistoryMonth @benjancewicz

— Rolyn Mackenzie J (@RolynUnraveled) March 1, 2016

10. It’s a retort to the “Why do we have [insert minority group] History Month?” question.

Part of me wants to say: To those who whine and moan about “where’s the white history month,” here you go. #WhitenessHistoryMonth

— Jason Chesnut (@crazypastor) March 1, 2016

11. It isn’t about a person or persons.

I’m less interested in individual white people. We’re talking systems and ideologies that codified white supremacy. #WhitenessHistoryMonth

— Jason Chesnut (@crazypastor) March 1, 2016

12. Displays how white supremacy affects everybody.

Every. single. person. is socialized by white supremacy. Resulting racism is *structural* power to disenfranchise groups based on looks.

— Great Ace Shark™ (@colocha_rachel) March 1, 2016

13. Makes plain how being a nice person =/= not being racist.

Being a nice person and being racist are not mutually exclusive. Use that as a frame when someone checks you.

— Great Ace Shark™ (@colocha_rachel) March 1, 2016

14. The month initiates opportunities to teach all of American history.

Never learned about the terrorist bombing of Black Wall Street in 1921 by white people? #WhitenessHistoryMonth ⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/HU3VTQpW5h

— Amber (@HollaBlackGirl) March 1, 2016

15. It eliminates the ally’s excuse “I don’t see color.”

Joining #WhitenessHistoryMonth. Whiteness often exploits invisibility & natural/neutral status for power/privilege. https://t.co/fRCZB5O1En

— Elizabeth Kaszynski (@alwayselizabeth) March 1, 2016

16. It exposes the hypocrisy some allies are unknowingly supporting.

White people will lift up #MartinLutherKingJr as their champion but ignore the white power structure that killed him. #WhitenessHistoryMonth

— Benjamin YoungSavage (@benjancewicz) March 1, 2016

17. Confirms the work and struggle is not in vain.

Watching the #WhitenessHistoryMonth project begin, I’m hopeful that #BlackLivesMatter gains energy. Unlearn and learn. Wash, rinse, repeat.

— Bethany Joy Winn (@bethanyjoywinn) March 1, 2016

As an extension of BHM, please follow @crazypastor and his study of #WhitenessHistoryMonth.

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