‘Allyship is … taking on the issue of racism and oppression as your own issue, even though you’ll never truly understand the damage that it does.’
Ben O’Keefe, an activist and former senior aide to Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Being an ally for Black people and people of Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage is one of the most important steps a white person can take to address racism.
Racism = Racial Prejudice + Power
Racial Prejudice consists of discriminatory or derogatory attitudes based on assumptions deriving from perceptions about race / skin colour. Power is the authority granted through social structures and conventions. Racism occurs when an expression of Racial Prejudice emerges from a more powerful / privileged location in the hierarchy, and is directed at an individual / group in a less powerful / privileged location.
Here are 10 things, in no particular order, that
you can start to do today as an anti-racism ally:
1. LISTEN
with an
open mind
Now is the time for you to listen. Listen with an open mind and a willingness to truly hear what black people are saying. Listen without feeling attacked. Listen, accepting that black people and marginalised communities have experienced discrimination and pain for a long time. Listen, knowing that it is not a one-time action, but the start of a process to dismantle the racial inequity in our society.
2. Recognise your own privilege
White privilege (or white skin privilege) refers to societal privilege that benefits white people over non-white people in some societies. White privilege doesn’t mean your life hasn’t been hard. It just means the colour of your skin isn’t one of the things that makes it harder.
3. Take action now
Addressing the issue of racism may be uncomfortable for you, but that is not a valid reason for not taking action. For far too long black people have been told 'this isn’t the right time for change’ or ‘you’ll have to bear with us, we are doing the best we can’. Racial discrimination and injustice is taking place right now, and you must act now.
4. Promote the voices of Black people
Do not make yourself the issue. Black people do not want to hear how bad you feel or how bad it has been for you to come to terms with the reality of racism. Now is the time for you to promote the voices of black people. Social media is one great way to achieve this. Follow accounts of black leaders both here in the UK and the US, comment and engage with their work, and share their words unfiltered.
5. Be responsible for your learning
It is not the job of black people to educate white people on how they can address racism. Instead take responsibility for your learning. It is a simple as Googling ‘books on anti-racism’. I have compiled a list of books, TV and film and other resources to help you to get started.
6. ACTively challenge racism
Being an anti-racism ally is an active role. If you hear friends, family, colleagues using racist language and / or behaving in ways which racially discriminate I urge you to challenge them. Will it make you feel uncomfortable, probably. Is it the right thing to do, absolutely. Learn more about preparing for difficult conversations here.
7. Keep talking about
anti-racism
The murder of George Floyd followed the shootings of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. It has ignited the conversation of systemic racism across the US and the rest of the world. Rightly so, many people are talking about racism, and it needs to continue, not just for the next few weeks. The issue of racism and the discrimination non-white people face warrants a continued space in our society. We have to keep talking, keep learning, and keep advancing towards a fairer society for all.
Words are easy to say, social media posts are easy to do. The work of dismantling racism in our society has costs - financial, physical and emotional. You can help by donating with both your finances and your time.
8. donate & support the work
9. Respect the experiences of black people
Do not tell Black people how they should mourn, feel or protest in response to the racial discrimination they have faced. Do not try to minimise the impact of racism, e.g. ‘It was just harmless fun, no harm meant’. Do not seek to justify actions which racially discriminate, e.g. ‘Dave’s not a racist, he has lots of black friends’. Wholehearted acceptance of reality faced by Black people is an essential step is dismantling racism.
10. Check in on your black friends
This is an incredibly difficult time for Black people and people from marginalised communities. I welcome everyone talking about the issue of racism, but it is a traumatic experience. Check in with your Black friends, loved ones, colleagues etc. Ask them how you can be of support.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information.
We are stronger together.
Better must come!