Although you may not share the experience of being a POC in today’s America, there are many ways in which you can show be a non-optical ally. Remember, it is your own responsibility to educate yourself on how to be non-racist; it is not your Black friends’ responsibility to teach you.
- Understand what allyship is
Allyship can be merely optical and superficial, so be aware that allyship should help dismantle the systems that oppress marginalized people - Check in on your Black loved ones
Black friends, families, coworkers are going through an emotional and even traumatic time right now, so offer your support attention and support - Be ready to do the work
Coming to terms with privilege can mean digging deep and going through some hard emotions like guilt, shame and anger - Start reading
Disliking racism is good but reading up on how to be antiracist is even better and will help to explain many nuances - Limit what you share
You may have good intentions of sharing graphic content, but the images of violence and abuse may be triggering for many Black people - Consider donating
There are many platforms that support Black people and help further the message of anti-racism - This isn’t about you
It is great that you empathize but don’t insert your personal experiences into the narrative that is basically not about you - Outrage is good, support is better
Display of outrage is good and often a catalyst to offer support – but don’t let your support stop with outrage - Stop supporting hate
It’s time to take inventory of where you read your news and what organizations you support. You may be inadvertently supporting hate. - Long-term change
How do you affect change in the long run? Do you become a mentor for someone? Become part of an organization that supports Black communities?
