BE AN ALLY
“True allyship demands that we move from conversation to action.”
- Emmanuel Acho, Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man
What’s an ally and how do I become one?
An ally is an individual who advocates for groups, movements, or people who don’t come from the same privileged position as the ally.
Allyship is one of the most important and critical steps for social justice reform, and there’s many several ways to engage in it!
Starting with an interpersonal level of anti-racism work, allyship is a daily commitment to support Black and Indigenous people of color against racism.
“Change is made of choices, and choices are made of character.”
— Amanda Gorman, Call Us What We Carry
Small moments matter.
Often times micro-agressions don’t manifest themselves into appalling forms of blatant racism. The micro-aggressions met with silence are often the ones we as allies have trouble calling out on. But in moments like these, silence is a signal of approval to the ones perpetuating them. Effective allyship is one of the most essential ways to denounce racist normalizations and support the well-being of Black and Indigenous people of color.
Listen.
Allow others to speak their truth free of judgement while you actively focus on their story instead of your own. Don’t try to insert yourself where you don’t fit, there’s no need for unsolicited advice here. Take these moments to check your ego out the door, for as an ally, you’re main concern at this point is to make room for voices other than your own.
Recognize.
Everyone has different experiences. Do not generalize a story you have not experienced. Recognizing when it’s your turn to support, to speak, or to stay quiet is one of the most necessary skills allies must develop quickly in order to be an effective partner in the fight against racism and discrimination.
