Shouts to white allies that have slid in our dms and text msgs. Thank you for expressing your compassion and whatnot, but real change comes with changed behavior, reevaluating the men and women you elect, and the policies that you allow to be enacted and enforced.

Post that heartfelt message on Facebook, Twitter, and IG and let ALL your friends (even the racist ones) know that you don& #39;t think racism is acceptable. We& #39;re hurting... and some of you may be too. But allyship SHOULDN& #39;T be a secret.

And to those of you who work side-by-side with many of us daily, especially in education - remember this feeling when school starts back. And since we "have time" right now...

Take time to acknowledge this feeling. Sit with it. Journal about it. Pen down exactly how this confusion, grief, and outrage makes you feel in the pit of your stomach.

Then.... remember that our babies live with this feeling regularly as you teach in your classrooms, discipline in your principal offices, and operate your nonprofits and afterschool programs.

How can you help us?
- Understand that you can NEVER fully know how it feels to be oppressed for your race.
- Stand with us even if NO ONE else you know will.
- Stand even when you& #39;re afraid.
- Check your own biases.
- Be aware of your privilege.
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How you can be an ally (continued)
- Call out inappropriate behavior
- Realize venting ISN& #39;T a personal attack.
- Express your pain, but remember it& #39;s not about you.
- Show up... Not just on social media, but anytime you see injustice.
- Remember representation matters.

And the most important thing to remember in allyship...

- Use your words, vote, and privilege wisely.

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