So, here are 5 great articles by women of color on how to be an ally:
SaVonne Anderson: 5 initial ways you can be a better ally to people of color
In SaVonne’s words:
An ally’s role is never to speak for others, but to take down the obstacles facing the oppressed to allow them to speak for themselves.
White privilege can be a powerful tool of allyship or oppression — be mindful of how you put your own to use.
Read SaVonne’s full article here.
Liz Kleinrock: Destigmatizing privilege
In Liz’s words:
Privilege is a concept I introduce [to my fourth-grade students] as a way for them to examine the power they have in certain situations—the power we all have, depending on our identities. It is unfair that some people have privilege while others don’t, but I don’t teach about it as a reason to feel guilty about one’s identity. I want my students to see it as a tool that can be used to elevate others.
Read Liz’s full article here.
Jehava: Dear white moms: What I need you to know
In Jehava’s words:
My heart aches when I think of anyone not being kind to my children. I so desperately want them to be treated fairly, and to be able to live their normal lives in peace. I want them to be comfortable and confident in their own skin. I want them to reach every single dream they have and to live safe lives where no one tries to bring harm to them because of the color of their skin.
I need your help.
I so desperately need you to have conversations with your children about racism.
Read Jehava’s full article here.
Cheyenne Varner: 4 Things I Want White Allies to Think About
In Cheyenne’s words:
If you want to be an ally, you’ve got to know the person you want to align with, and they’ve got to know you, too. You have to build trust. And you might have to be patient while some walls break down, first.
Read Cheyenne’s full article here.
Courtney Ariel: For our white friends desiring to be allies
In Courtney’s words:
Above all, I urge you keep trying. You’re going to make mistakes; expect this. But keep showing up. Be compassionate. Lead with empathy, always. Keep learning and growing. If you do this, I truly believe you’ll be doing the work of an ally.
Read Courtney’s full article here.
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Also published on Medium.
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