Stop Relying on Black Individuals to Educate You on Allyship—Here Are 28 Ways to Begin Today

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In the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death, social media has been flooded with black squares as part of Black Out Tuesday, a movement aimed at honoring the lives lost and advocating for necessary policy changes. While it’s heartening to see collective support online, this act has its issues. Those black squares, despite good intentions, are overwhelming the essential messages of the Black Lives Matter movement, obscuring vital information for activists and hindering the call for action against systemic racism and police violence.

Black Americans, who are already bearing the emotional weight of this struggle, shouldn’t have to shoulder the responsibility of educating others on these pressing issues. They are fatigued and rightfully frustrated. As the protests across the nation illustrate, Black individuals are conveying a powerful message: they are tired, justifiably angry, and in pain. They have lost faith in the systems that are meant to protect them and are expressing their frustration with leaders who have failed them. Living under the constant threat of discrimination, police violence, and economic disparities, they are also facing the dual challenge of a pandemic that has disproportionately affected their communities.

As a white individual, I recognize that I will never fully grasp the exhaustion inherent in being Black in America. Rather than wallowing in guilt or posting empty gestures, it’s time to take concrete actions. If you’re a white person reading this, it’s crucial to educate yourself and turn those uncomfortable feelings into proactive steps. This isn’t the time to inundate Black activists with requests for guidance; instead, utilize your own skills and influence to support Black voices and work toward dismantling white supremacy.

Here is a list of actions you can take right now to engage in anti-racism, in addition to merely posting a black square:

1. Acknowledge Your White Privilege. Understand the realities of living in a society where race significantly impacts experiences. Recognizing your privilege is the first step toward meaningful change.
2. Participate in Local Protests. If you are able, attend a protest to stand in solidarity with Black individuals. Your presence can serve as a protective barrier. Remember to follow the lead of Black organizers and respect the space.
3. Get Involved with Local Organizations. Join local chapters of groups like Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) or Black Lives Matter to actively participate in community events.
4. Advocate for Justice. Contact city officials, like the Mayor and County Attorney, to demand accountability for acts of police violence, such as George Floyd’s murder.
5. Support Memorial Funds. Contribute to funds like the George Floyd Memorial Fund to help support those affected by this tragedy.
6. Sign Petitions for Justice. Engage in activism by signing petitions that demand justice for victims of police violence.
7. Educate Yourself. Stop relying on Black individuals to inform you about racism. Seek out resources and courses from Black educators, such as Rachel Cargle and Layla F. Saad.
8. Support Anti-Racism Organizations. Focus your attention and resources on organizations dedicated to preventing violence against Black individuals, such as Reclaim the Block and Black Visions Collective.
9. Read Essential Literature. Educate yourself by reading works like “Me and White Supremacy” by Layla F. Saad and “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander.
10. Engage in Difficult Conversations. Talk to friends and family about racism, correcting any misinformation and sharing what you are doing to combat white supremacy.
11. Understand Historical Context. Learn about events like the Tulsa Massacre to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of racism in America.
12. Support Black Creatives and Educators. Follow and financially support Black activists, artists, and business owners to amplify their voices.
13. Teach the Next Generation. Have conversations with your children about racism and the importance of standing against injustice.
14. Actively Intervene. If you witness acts of racism or police brutality, speak up. Silence is complicity.
15. Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform. Contact legislators to support reforms aimed at reducing inequities in the justice system.
16. Listen to Black Voices. Trust and believe the experiences of Black individuals regarding racism and oppression without offering unsolicited advice or opinions.
17. Utilize Online Toolkits. Explore resources like “The New Era of Public Safety Advocacy” to further your understanding.
18. Revise Educational Curricula. If you are involved in education, advocate for the inclusion of comprehensive histories of slavery and civil rights in school curricula.
19. Support Bail Reform Initiatives. Contact legislators to push for reforms like ending cash bail and consider donating to organizations like The Bail Project.
20. Engage Politically. Attend town halls to question candidates on their plans for addressing systemic racism and incarceration.
21. Explore Anti-Racism Resources. Check out curated lists of anti-racism resources available online.
22. Participate in Courses. Enroll in courses from Black educators focused on anti-racism and allyship.
23. Dismantle White Supremacy Culture. Familiarize yourself with the traits of white supremacy culture and actively work to dismantle them in your daily life.
24. Learn from Historical Projects. Investigate resources like the New York Times 1619 Project to better understand the historical context of racism in America.
25. Support Mental Health Initiatives. Contribute to organizations like The Loveland Foundation that provide mental health resources for Black women and girls.
26. Refrain from Dismissive Statements. If you find yourself using phrases like “All Lives Matter,” reflect on their implications and educate yourself on why they are harmful.
27. Join Educational Collectives. If you’re an educator, consider joining groups like the Liberate and Chill Collective.
28. Stay Committed. Recognize that the fight for racial equality requires ongoing effort.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these suggestions, remember that your commitment to allyship is essential. As we move beyond symbolic gestures, it is imperative to engage in concrete actions that promote racial justice. Black lives matter, and they deserve our unwavering support.

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Summary

This article outlines actionable steps for white individuals seeking to become allies to Black communities. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing personal privilege, participating in local protests, supporting anti-racism organizations, and educating oneself through literature and courses. The message is clear: it’s time for white people to take responsibility for their role in dismantling systemic racism without burdening Black individuals to lead the way.