Empowering Allyship: A Guide for White Individuals in Anti-Racism
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Chapter 1: The Call for White Allyship
In recent discussions, individuals of color have voiced a clear demand: it is the responsibility of white people to educate themselves and mobilize others in their communities to dismantle the racism that has been perpetuated by white individuals.
This sentiment is echoed in Calvin Eaton’s recent blog post, “Dear White Led Organizations.” Eaton, the founding director of 540WMain, highlights a long-standing call from Black activists dating back to the 1960s. He urges white-led groups to “engage in meaningful work and improve as you do so” before reaching out to Black communities for dialogues on racial equity.
“In your eagerness to engage in these conversations, you may inadvertently recreate harmful systems of oppression, which have been foundational to white supremacy,” Eaton warns. A significant challenge is that many white individuals have not personally experienced racism in the same way that Black people and other people of color have.
Often, white individuals may mistakenly perceive that Black people are merely complaining. However, when white individuals start advocating for Black rights, they may begin to recognize the pervasive nature of racism. Those they once considered allies may not voice their support, and discussions around racism at work can lead to pushback from colleagues who want to silence these conversations.
As someone who has experienced this dynamic, I can relate. I often refrain from speaking out as much as I would prefer, fearing social ostracism or being labeled negatively.
Before my retirement, I had the privilege of being the first white faculty member at my college to serve as an advocate for Black students. This role was both fulfilling and enlightening for me. Situated in a predominantly white, rural area of the Midwest, our business school had around 15 students of color each year, most of whom were on scholarships.
During my first year, I fostered a supportive environment, encouraging students to uplift one another, which led to their success and camaraderie. Unfortunately, the following year’s cohort struggled to maintain that same sense of community, and their outcomes reflected this disconnect.
In my role, I met regularly with representatives from various colleges and administrators overseeing scholarships for Black students. As the only white person in the room, I was respected and valued for my presence. They expressed a desire for more white individuals to advocate on their behalf.
Having engaged with numerous resources on racism, I was recognized as someone who had “done the work.” The first step in becoming an anti-racist ally is to acknowledge the reality of white privilege and its implications. It’s perplexing why some white individuals respond defensively to this concept—it does not imply that they don’t face challenges, but rather that their struggles are not compounded by the color of their skin.
A must-read for every white person in America is Dr. Peggy McIntosh’s seminal 1989 article, “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.” McIntosh outlines 50 hidden advantages that white individuals experience daily, shedding light on the systemic biases favoring white people in American society. Many remain unaware of these well-documented factors.
Nine Additional Ways to Engage in Anti-Racist Work
Educate Yourself:
Read extensively about racism, its history, and its effects. My journey began with John Howard Griffin’s “Black Like Me,” a nonfiction account of his experiences in the racially segregated South.
Listen and Learn:
Be attentive to the narratives of people of color. Participate in discussions about race without dismissing their experiences.
Reflect on Your Own Biases:
Everyone possesses biases; recognizing and addressing them is the first step toward meaningful change.
Speak Up:
Confront racist remarks or jokes, even if they seem minor. Use your privilege to elevate marginalized voices.
Support Anti-Racist Organizations:
Engage with and contribute to groups actively combating racism, such as Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). Attend workshops focused on anti-racism.
Diversify Your Social Circles:
Forge connections with individuals from varied backgrounds, remaining open to different perspectives.
Advocate for Change:
Push for policies that endorse equity and justice. Support leaders who prioritize anti-racist initiatives.
Acknowledge and Apologize:
Recognize past missteps, learn from them, and sincerely apologize when necessary.
Teach Others:
Share your understanding with friends, family, and colleagues. Approach these conversations with patience and empathy.
Being anti-racist is an ongoing journey that demands continuous self-examination, learning, and proactive engagement. While the path may be challenging, the rewards of allyship are immense.
Chapter 2: Resources for Further Learning
In the realm of advocacy and education, various resources can enhance understanding and promote effective allyship.
The video “Press Conference with UN's Chief before the 79th High-level session of General Assembly” provides valuable insights into global perspectives on racial justice and the role of allyship.
Additionally, “It's Never Too Late (If You're Willing To Do the Work)” encourages individuals to embrace the journey of anti-racism and highlights the importance of commitment and effort in creating change.