A lot of my non-Black friends have reached out to me lately and I appreciate it. They've been asking what can/should they be doing. The change we need won't come from celebrities or mandates. You change the hearts of people at the dinner table, churches, and water coolers.

Push back on your friends that try to equate "Blue Lives Matter"/"All Lives Matter" to the "Black Lives Matter" movement. Challenge ignorant "seemingly harmless" racist jokes made by friends. Advocate for your Black coworkers and defend their work when they aren't in the room.

These things may sound obvious but you'd be amazed by what people allow for the sake social acceptance and "calm". If you find yourself siding with order and "peace" instead of justice and freedom, not only are you NOT an ally but you are an enabler to those who oppress us.

And to be clear, I don't expect everyone to suddenly pick up and become vocal as it's INCREDIBLY important to LISTEN to those most affected BEFORE "saving the day". However, your silence, matched with your actions, may leave your Black peers assuming that you are also complicit.

Lastly, as an ally, you are expected to SUPPORT us. That support neverrr comes from the front so if you ever have the inkling that you're at the front, take a moment to look for the nearest Black man or Black woman that you (likely inadvertently) stepped in front of.

Thank you.