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White allies - let's have a little conversation shall we? Many white organizers feel awkward or uncertain about how to show up to support black and brown communities under attack. And yet we all must show up. #GeorgeFloydMurder
Even though it’s so much easier to stay quiet, well-intentioned silence is one of the many reasons our country has not moved forward. Below, we’re going to give you some tips and best practices so you can be the best ally possible.
Know that you will make mistakes - know that you will not feel like you are doing everything right - but know this - by NOT showing up in these times, you enable the system racism that has plagued our country for years.
DO: Take action
This Indivisible guide is a starting point to show solidarity and take action. https://indivisible.org/resource/taking-action-solidarity-minneapolis
This Indivisible guide is a starting point to show solidarity and take action. https://indivisible.org/resource/taking-action-solidarity-minneapolis
DON’T: Post the videos of people being murdered.
Black activists have said loud and clear that seeing these videos repeatedly on their feeds is triggering and harmful, take them at their word and don’t post graphic videos.
Black activists have said loud and clear that seeing these videos repeatedly on their feeds is triggering and harmful, take them at their word and don’t post graphic videos.
DON’T: Plan your own protest. First off, it is not your place to lead; reach out to trust black-led organizations in your area. See what they are planning. Ask what they need, if there’s any assistance you can provide. Step BACK during planning calls.
DO: Respond to clueless or racist posts on Facebook/ Twitter (intentional or unintentional) and call folk in. This is the time for your leadership to step up and address each post. We are not good allies unless we call it all harm, intentional or not, in all our spaces.
Here’s a good article with examples of how to respond to the “Riots won’t solve anything” type of post. https://soletstalkabout.com/2020/05/28/how-to-respond-to-riots-never-solve-anything/?fbclid=IwAR20_Al60yALvrsx63N5xyfm8drzOwteSxXF5_WNVYtzyVkII6c35zvijHs
DON’T: speak to the press if you are at a protest. Instead redirect them to a representative from the impacted community who wants to speak. Do NOT speak for the community.
And finally: DO learn more about anti-racism and how to be an ally. Start reading and show up (online and in person). A good ally can make a difference.
https://racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/mcintosh.pdf
https://racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/mcintosh.pdf
