How can I help? I'm so empathetic, I don't know if I can. You're so strong. What will posting do? I've been talking to my friends about this. I don't know where to begin.
These are some of the questions and comments I receive from those who already consider themselves allies. Those who believe they are #antiracist, think NY is different/better, and we are equal. Surprise: you're wrong. And you have much work to do to be an ally to me and others whose identity/livelihood is constantly + intentionally under attack.
"Allyship is an active, consistent, and challenging practice of unlearning and re-evaluating, in which a person of privilege seeks to work in solidarity with a marginalized group.
It is a lifelong process of building relationships based on trust, consistency, and accountability with marginalized individuals and/or groups of people.
Allyship is NOT self-defined—work and efforts must be recognized by those you are seeking to ally with"
Source: PeerNetBC
A true ally does. They take action. They understand that as an ally they've committed to aid those with less power in the name of humanity.
Ally comes from the Latin word alligare, meaning "to bind to," like nations who are allies in wartime — they will act together, and protect one another.
Ally Responsibilities/Commitments via PeerNetBC:
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actively acknowledge privileges and openly discuss them
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listen more and speak less
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work with integrity and direct communication
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do not expect to be educated by others
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build capacity to receive criticism
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your needs are secondary to the people you seek to work with
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do not expect the people you seek to work with to provide emotional support
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do not expect special recognition for confronting issues that people have to live with every day
It's a conscious decision to be silent + ignore societal injustice. To protect your profit and privilege over the people. Change will only happen when we all stand up to create an equitable existence for all humans.
Get started: 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice + Anti Racism Resources.
In solidarity and love,
Solonje