In the United States of America;
“It isn’t enough to be not-racist. You must be anti-racist as well. You have to be an ALLY.”
If you are a white individual in the US today, you have probably asked this question, “how can I be a strong ALLY?” or “what are the characteristics of a strong ALLY?”. And if you are black, you have probably heard this question more than, “how are you doing?” or “how can I help?”.
If you are white, the time has come for you to work rather than just ask questions. The long-standing issue of racism is at the forefront today. Everyone has been asking questions on how to be an ally, and how to take part in the movement against racism. If you are on the road to fight against racism with your black friends and colleagues, know that you need to unlearn the decades of conditioning and thought patterns that you believed to be true. You need to educate yourself, speak up, and take initiatives. You have to do your work now!
If you are a white looking to learn how to interrupt racism as an ALLY, here is how!
Listen & Learn
Commit yourself to listen to the black voices and learn what they are telling. Blatant racism is easier to understand and point out. It is conscious bias and microaggressions that are deep-rooted in our systems and are harder to understand. As a white ally, when your black friends or colleagues tell you they are facing racism, believe it. Black employees are penalized for openly talking about discrimination and unfair treatment, so it is your job to listen and learn when they speak about their experience instead of diminishing their voices. Read up on black history, and guides on systemic racism and how to play a role to get rid of it.
Look for opportunities on your own. Do not wait for someone to speak up, rather be the one who intervenes when you witness discrimination and racism. Take part in the black-run Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to educate yourself. Understand why black people are in the position they are, because of the 400 years worth history of neglect, systemic racism, and power abuse, etc. You can’t be an ALLY if you do not know how to listen and learn from their experiences.
Speak & Engage
As a white ally, speak up for black people where they aren’t being represented or heard. Unfortunately, black employees are still underrepresented in the workplace. The lack of visibility means they may not be comfortable speaking up and might be the only ones to support a point most of the time. Do not turn away from those difficult conversations and stand with them. Focus on unconscious biases, shift the conversation from what’s happening to what can I do to help you better? Try to resist the urge to respond to situations with better insights or what we call whitesplaining.
In these spaces, it is your job to know more about the systemic racism and find ways through which you can play your part to curb it. Again, ERGs are a great place to start with. As a non-black colleague, it's significant to condemn unjust actions against black people. That is what makes you an ALLY.
Show Up As An ALLY
As an ALLY, you will spend time learning about the years of systemic racism and brutality black people have faced. You will speak for them, to them, and on their behalf as well. You will have to engage in conversations aimed towards the betterment of black people. However, the effectiveness of it all comes down to how many times you show up for them when they actually need it. Promote more diversity in the world. Show up in the black-only rallies as support. Raise your voice in your companies and educational institutes. March with them in solidarity. Volunteer in their causes. Donate to the anti-racism organizations.
Allies are encouraged to start an everlasting change. When one white person stands up for racial equality, many others who did not have the courage will be motivated to do the same. Create your own spheres of influence to start the change, whether at work, schools, or home. Understand how systemic racism is playing in your circles and start safe spaces to stir a change.
“To be an ALLY is to be of service to Black people. You have a voice, and your job is to use it after decades of using it for your privilege.”
Racism against Black people is minimized, denied, and justified. As an ALLY, you need to challenge the very structures of inequality at work. This requires you to be intentional in your support. Take a stand against injustice. Be strategic. Understand you have a privileged position and instead of getting offended, use it for something good. Give support and get support. If you do this all, only then can you become an ALLY black people want you to be.
“Your Black friends, colleagues, and employees are ready for you to be an ALLY. Are you?”
