Thread by @mbrianaepler

Hey there, are you a white person wondering what to do as an ally for Black people right now? A lot of my white friends have been asking, you’re not alone. Let’s get you going on doing some work! (thread)

#BlackLivesMatter #DoTheWork #allyship

First off: don’t get analysis paralysis. It can be overwhelming. Yes, it’s a big problem: correcting systemic racism. But the thing is, we all have a role to play, and nothing changes until WE create change. Start by taking one action. Then take another, then another.

🔑 Silence is complicity. “The opposite of racist isn't 'not racist.' It is 'anti-racist.’ ...One either allows racial inequities to persevere, as a racist, or confronts racial inequities, as an anti-racist. There is no in-between safe space of 'not racist.'”― Ibram X. Kendi

When you are silent and do nothing, you are continuing to benefit from systemic racism by accepting the unfair privilege you have received in your life, and throughout several generations. So - it’s up to us to do the work. Let’s do it.

Note: I am white & not an authority on Black lived experience. Ask Black ppl what they need b4 creating a new program, never assume. Ensure you aren’t a “white savior,” that the work you do is in service to amplify/elevate Black ppl & correct centuries of oppression & privilege.

1. Amplify Black voices and experiences. Black stories aren’t heard enough, featured enough, listened to enough, respected enough. Use your power to ensure Black expertise is shared and appreciated. And listen and learn from them.

#BlackLivesMatter

2. Tell the world that Black Lives Matter to you, that you stand against racism, and that you are working to change it. Model this for other white people. And fulfill that promise by doing the hard work of change.
#BlackLivesMatter

3. Create change in your industry. Lead by example. Convene leaders and collectively commit to creating change, then hold each other accountable. Build industry best practices around inclusion. Partner with organizations working on systemic change.

#BlackLivesMatter

4. Create systemic & culture change in your company & on your team. Focus on people, processes & power. For company-wide work, hire skilled & experienced people, then follow their guidance, give them authority, fund the work well, & hold all leaders accountable for change.

#BLM

5. Ask your company to provide more support for Black employees- time off, safe spaces to connect with other Black people, therapy, funding for employee resource groups, and work on inclusion and equity (please ask your Black colleagues what they need!)

#BlackLivesMatter

6. Check in on Black friends & colleagues, let them know you care about them, ask them how they are doing.

Note: DO NOT MAKE THIS THE ONLY THING YOU DO ON THIS LIST. You have to do the hard, change-making work so that this stops happening. Got it?

#BlackLivesMatter

7. If you protest, listen to Black people & follow their lead. Keep Black people safe. That means wearing a mask, putting your body between Black people and police if needed, helping anyone who gets hurt. And do not instigate or incite violence.

#BlackLivesMatter

8. Call your local police department and ask what they are doing to train officers and prevent killing of unarmed Black people. Demand that they address this. Make sure they mandate body cams, but they also need training, policies & leadership to address this.

#BlackLivesMatter

9. Call your legislators & ask them what they’re doing around criminal justice reform, economic disparity, & discriminatory practices inside companies & industries.

This is important all the time & esp now as Black people are disproportionately affected by COVID layoffs.

#BLM

10. Support Black-owned businesses. Buy from them and invest in them.

There is severe inequity in the venture capital and banking systems, where Black founders do not receive the funding they should.

Support them with your dollars.

#BlackLivesMatter

When you see something, do something. This is our job as allies, whether on a train, a sidewalk, on social media or in a meeting: intervene, record & report racism, bullying, harassment. Don’t be silent when you see microaggressions & biases - correct your colleagues.

#BLM

12. Financially support organizations working to create systemic change.

I’ve shared some resources in my timeline, and will share more as I find them. (And y’all if you find resources please share here and in your timeline!)

#BlackLivesMatter

13. Volunteer for organizations working to create systemic change.

If you don’t have money and you do have time, there are often ways you can help.

#BlackLivesMatter

14. Raise children who are actively working against racism & for justice, inclusion and equity. Talk with them about what’s happening & why it’s wrong. Enroll them in doing the work with you to create change. Model this for your children, so they grow up in a better world.

#BLM

15. Buy books & toys that represent diverse experiences. Lots of amazing dolls, books, games and toys out there to give your kids more diverse representation in their play. Diverse playmates and classmates are very important as well.

#BlackLivesMatter

16. Work on your self. We all grow up with biases and often racism too. Learn to recognize when these come up and correct them in yourself. This is the hard and important work of change. You got this. 👊🏼

#BlackLivesMatter

17. Learn from Black people: read articles & books, watch videos & movies, listen to podcasts, attend events, follow Black people on social media.

And (re)learn history from the point of view of Black authors. (History books are usually written by white men.)

#BlackLivesMatter

18. Hire and promote Black people. Rather than blame “the pipeline,” work harder to find skilled, talented Black people. They are out here, you may just need a different way to reach them and convince them to join you.

#BlackLivesMatter

19. Do your jury duty. Black people need allies in the courtroom, as they are disproportionately incarcerated (6x more likely than white people).

sentencingproject.org/publications/u…

20. VOTE. Vote for Black candidates. Vote for candidates who correct systemic inequities & injustice, and who work to build wealth, health & sustainability for everyone. Help fight voter suppression, which happens most in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

#BlackLivesMatter

@threadreaderapp please unroll

Adding a list from @AlbreyBrown of resources for learning more.

https://twitter.com/albreybrown/status/1267634989501313027?s=21

https://twitter.com/albreybrown/status/1267634989501313027

Adding a thread from @mireillecharper "10 Steps to Non-Optical Allyship"

https://twitter.com/mireillecharper/status/1266335563197501440?s=20

#allyship