White and non-black POC friends: allyship is actually pretty easy. Here are some easy steps for you to take.

1. Listen. That’s it. It’s how you learn. As a former teacher who understands learning styles, I’ll also say watch and read.

2. Believe, sympathize. None of the “waiting for all the facts to come out,” “maybe you misunderstood.” A simple, “I’m sorry that happened” works. See #1.

3. Use your resources to help the cause. More in #4, but it could be putting black contacts on opportunities; protecting them in unsafe (for black people) situations; speaking up for them like an intercessor in the workplace; sending Cash App love; calling others out on racism.

4. Use your privilege! Yes, even if you’re a YT woman living in a box, you have inherent privilege. And that’s OK! No one is mad at you for having it. But not sharing with others, that’s not cool.

Many have used their privilegeto help me, and I’m so thankful. (cont.)

4.2. Covering Alt*n Sterl*ng’s murder for a nat’l outlet, I had to knock on Sal*moni’s door. The day after he murdered Alt*n. BRUH. Long story, scariest day of my life. Many units came, I truly thought I was going to be killed too, in C*ntral, LA. So many rebel flags... (cont.)

4.3. Next day, I had to go back. White guy from the Today Show sees me and comes to my car. He tells me I don’t need to be there, for my safety, and gives me his contact info and shares everything with me. I love you, Kip! THIS IS ALLYSHIP. (cont.)

4.4. I did this later with other male reporters bc the owners of the Triple S Food Mart are of a culture where they’d rather talk to men, not women. And I get it. Got my story, got my videos and photos, thanks to my white and Hispanic male allies who helped me.

5. This was longer than I thought.

TL;DR Be a white or non-black POC ally to black people in whatever way works for you. Start by listening to and believing the accounts of black people.