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Below are ways to strengthen White allyship or challenge unhelpful thought patterns that distance White folx from their responsibility to challenge white supremacy. This is not an all-encompassing list or the “right way” to be an ally. It is an actionable resource for White folx to honor Black voices as valid and Black folx as the experts of the Black experience. When in doubt, ask yourself: Is my
advocacy informed by/act to amplify Black voices? If not, you are likely acting to minimize your own discomfort. Step back. Remember, it isn’t about you. Own the discomfort. Grow.
- Educate Yourself
Educate yourself and actively elevate Black voices in ways that honor the intellectual and emotional labor it takes to both carry the burden of oppression and to seek liberation from it, in part, through educating their oppressors. It is the responsibility of White folx to seek out knowledge in ways that do not place the
burden on Black folx. The below resources are all either written, created, directed, or led by Black folx and center Black voices in defining the reality of white supremacy and violence against the Black community. Purchase their books, watch their videos, and subscribe to their podcasts so they are compensated for the time, energy, and emotional labor they have generously put into educating you.
“Me and White Supremacy” (Interactive workbook)
“Layla is the New York Times bestselling author of the ground-breaking book Me and White Supremacy (2020), the host of Good Ancestor Podcast, and the founder of good ancestor academy.”
Purchase her book and explore her other works here: http://laylafsaad.com/
“A 28-Day Challenge to Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor leads readers through a journey of understanding their white privilege and participation in white supremacy, so that they can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on black, indigenous and people of color, and in, help other white people do better, too.”
Friday Black (Compilation of fictional short stories)
Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is a National Book Foundation “5 Under 35” honoree,
chosen by Colson Whitehead, Winner of the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award, Finalist
for the National Book Critics Circle’s John Leonard Award for Best First Book.
Purchase his book here: https://www.nanakwameadjei-brenyah.com/
“A piercingly raw debut story collection from a young writer with an explosive voice; a treacherously surreal, and, at times, heartbreakingly satirical look at what it’s like to be young and black in America.”
1619 (Podcast) Hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones. She is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American investigative journalist known for her coverage of civil rights in the United States. Listen to her podcast here or on Spotify:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/podcasts/1619-podcast.html
“An audio series on how slavery has transformed America, connecting past and present through the oldest form of storytelling.”
13th (Documentary)
Produced by Ava Duvernay. Winner of the Emmy, BAFTA and Peabody
Awards, Academy award nominee Ava DuVernay is a writer, director,
producer and film distributor. She is the highest grossing black woman
director in American box office history. See her other works: http://www.avaduvernay.com/ Free version of “13th” documentary: https://youtu.be/krfcq5pF8u8
“An in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and how it reveals the nation’s history of racial inequality.”
- Contribute to Organizations and Movements Led by Black Folx
Money is power. Donating to organizations led by Black folx increases the power and autonomy of the Black community. Donate. Promote the organization and encourage other White folx to donate. If you post on social media and highlight your generosity rather than the organization, you are likely acting to minimize your own discomfort. Step back. Remember, it isn’t about you. Own the discomfort. Grow.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
“The NAACP mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.” Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/naacp-1
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
“LDF’s mission has always been transformative: to achieve racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society. The new political landscape and a retrenchment in key areas of civil right poses unprecedented threats to the hard-won gains of the last half century. From new assaults on voting rights, to a renewed push to undermine equal access to quality education, to the reversal of criminal justice and policing
reform, we face significant challenges in every area of our work.”
Donate here: https://www.naacpldf.org/
National Urban League (NUL)
The NUL mission is “To help African-Americans and others in underserved communities achieve their highest true social parity, economic self- reliance, power, and civil rights. The League promotes economic empowerment through education and job training, housing and community development,
workforce development, entrepreneurship, health, and quality of life.”
Donate here: https://nul.org/ - Get Involved Politically
Get involved and use your voice to amplify those of Black folx. Be sure you are advocating for initiatives that amplify and echo those of the Black community. Black folx are the experts of the Black experience. Support lifesaving black centered #WeAreDoneDying initiatives by sending a message to your
Congressional representatives now using the accessible, convenient platform provided by the NAACP. Message your congressional representative here: https://naacp.org/campaigns/we-are-done-dying/