Night 5 of our Legislative Focus on Racial Equity - Tonight’s topic is all about how to be an ally! (Note, this is something I am not perfect at, but I’m committed in striving to be the best ally I can each and every day, and to never cease my education on being an ally).
I will referencing the following website to begin this thread - guidetoallyship.com
“TO BE AN ALLY IS TO...
1. Take on the struggle as your own.
2. Stand up, even when you feel scared.
3. Transfer the benefits of your privilege to those who lack it.
4. Acknowledge that even though you feel pain, the conversation is not about you.”
5. “Be willing to own your mistakes and de-center yourself.
6. Understand that your education is up to you and no one else.”
The best definition of “ally” (that I’ve found) comes from author Roxane Gay-
“Black people do not need allies. We need people to stand up and take on the problems borne of oppression as their own, without remove or distance.
We need people to do this even if they can’t fully understand what it’s like to be oppressed for their race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, class, religion, or other form of identity.
We need people to use common sense to figure out how to participate in social justice.”
WHY ALLIES ARE NECESSARY
“Anyone has the potential to be an ally. Allies recognize that though they’re not a member of the underinvested and oppressed communities they support, they make a concerted effort to better understand the struggle, every single day.
Because an ally might have more privilege and recognizes said privilege, they are powerful voices alongside oppressed ones.”
To further my education on being an ally, I just purchased a copy of “How to be an Antiracist.” - Ibram X. Kendi
ibramxkendi.com/how-to-be-an-a…
I also purchased, “White Fragility.” - Robin DiAngelo.
robindiangelo.com/publications/
Please join me in being an ally, in furthering our education, and in never ceasing to be an ally.
Together we can end systemic racism. We are #StrongerTogether #BeAnAlly
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