Stop Relying on Black Individuals to Teach You About Allyship—28 Steps to Take Action Today

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In the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death, social media erupted with black squares for Black Out Tuesday, a movement designed to honor the victims of police violence and advocate for substantial change. While it’s heartening to see this collective sentiment, there are significant issues at play. These black squares often overshadow the vital messages of the Black Lives Matter movement, making it difficult for activists to share crucial information. They can never substitute for meaningful actions aimed at supporting Black lives who continue to face systemic oppression and violence.

The voices bringing these concerns to light are predominantly Black Americans, who shouldn’t bear the burden of urging others to act. They are already overwhelmed with the weight of their experiences. The ongoing protests are clear signals of their exhaustion and anger. They feel justifiably betrayed by leaders who have failed to ensure their safety. The reality is that Black individuals face daily challenges like discrimination, police brutality, economic disparities, and health inequities, all exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the pervasive threat of white supremacy that has plagued society since its inception.

As a person benefiting from white privilege, I cannot fully grasp what it means to navigate life as a Black individual. Instead of wallowing in guilt or passively posting on social media, it’s crucial for white individuals to engage in self-education and channel those uncomfortable feelings into actionable change. This isn’t about bombarding Black activists with questions on how to be better allies; it’s about utilizing your own skills to uplift Black voices, acknowledge their struggles, and actively work to dismantle systemic racism.

Here are 28 concrete steps you can take immediately to support anti-racism efforts:

1. Acknowledge Your White Privilege. Understand that your experiences are not defined by your skin color. Recognizing this is the first step toward meaningful change.
2. Participate in Local Protests. If you can, attend a local protest to stand in solidarity and provide protection for Black individuals who should not have to face danger alone.
3. Engage with Local Organizations. Join groups like Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) and Black Lives Matter to support their initiatives.
4. Demand Accountability. Call local officials to urge them to hold police accountable for their actions against Black individuals.
5. Support Memorial Funds. Contribute to organizations like the George Floyd Memorial Fund to support affected families.
6. Sign Petitions. Add your name to petitions advocating for justice and reform in the wake of police violence.
7. Educate Yourself. Stop expecting Black individuals to educate you on racism. Invest time in learning from Black authors and educators like Rachel Cargle and Layla F. Saad.
8. Support Anti-Racism Organizations. Shift your focus from viewing distressing videos of violence to supporting organizations working to prevent such occurrences.
9. Read Relevant Literature. Explore anti-racism books such as “Me and White Supremacy” by Layla F. Saad.
10. Engage in Conversations. Discuss the realities of racism and police brutality with your family and friends to help raise awareness.
11. Learn About Historical Context. Study events like the Tulsa Massacre to understand the historical roots of systemic racism.
12. Follow and Support Black Voices. Invest in Black creators, educators, and activists through your financial support.
13. Discuss Race with Children. Ensure the next generation understands the importance of equality and justice.
14. Act Against Racism. If you witness acts of racism or police brutality, speak up and intervene when safe to do so.
15. Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform. Contact your legislators to support reforms that address racial disparities in the justice system.
16. Listen and Believe. When Black individuals share their experiences, listen without being defensive or dismissive.
17. Utilize Online Resources. Explore toolkits and courses that can provide more insight into anti-racism work.
18. Revamp Educational Curriculums. If you’re in a school setting, advocate for the inclusion of comprehensive history regarding slavery and civil rights.
19. Support Bail Reform. Urge your legislators to end cash bail systems that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
20. Attend Political Town Halls. Engage with candidates about their plans to address systemic issues within the justice system.
21. Explore Anti-Racism Resources. Dive into Google Docs and other resources that compile valuable information on anti-racism.
22. Participate in Educational Programs. Sign up for online courses that focus on anti-racism and allyship.
23. Understand White Supremacy Culture. Familiarize yourself with its characteristics and actively work to dismantle them in your life.
24. Engage with Historical Projects. Learn from projects like the New York Times’ 1619 Project to gain a deeper understanding of systemic racism.
25. Support Mental Health Initiatives. Donate to organizations that provide mental health resources to Black individuals.
26. Reject Colorblind Ideologies. If you find yourself saying “All Lives Matter,” reconsider your stance and educate yourself on the issue.
27. Connect with Educators. Join collectives focused on promoting anti-racist education.
28. Commit to Ongoing Action. Understand that allyship is a continuous journey, and you must remain engaged beyond a single moment of activism.

It’s essential for white individuals to move beyond mere sympathy and take active steps towards fostering change. By committing to these actions, we can create a more equitable society where everyone can thrive.

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Summary:

This article emphasizes the importance of active allyship and provides 28 actionable steps white individuals can take to support anti-racism and solidarity with Black communities. It encourages self-education, participation in protests, financial support for relevant organizations, and open conversations about racism. By committing to these actions, we can contribute to dismantling systemic racism and fostering a more equitable society.