Last week, 40 people came to discuss white privilege and ways to leverage it for social justice at GLOW's January Spitfire. The conversation touched on many aspects of privilege and centered on allyship.
An ally is defined as "a person, group, or nation associated or united with another in a common purpose." By definition, allyship is two sided, and requires consent and buy-in. It's a partnership rather than an assistant or savior.
Dr. Natalie Perry emphasized that aspiring allies "need to check in with the person you are trying to be an ally for to make sure you aren't talking over someone or whitesplaining." She believes that "good allyship starts with having a personal relationship and understanding that you don’t know everything."
Elizabeth Baldwin noted that she prefers to "use the word accomplice rather than ally because it emphasizes that you are in in together, but if you are in it and thinking 'I have to help people,' then you aren’t being an ally." She also stressed that "you’re gonna mess up and that’s ok, but be willing to lean into it" and hold yourself accountable.
Action Steps to Be Better Allies:
- Read more books and listen to more podcasts produced by people of color
- Connect, develop authentic relationships, organize programming, and build community around racial justice
- Talk to family members and other white people about racism
- For those involved in hiring at their organizations, focus on inclusion and diversity
- Educate yourself about racism so that people of color do not have to
- Remember the difference between charity and social justice (crumbs from the table vs. a seat at the table)
- Ensure non-white voices are included, especially in conversations that directly impact them
- Put your money where your mouth is- figuratively, and literally by donating time and money to social justice causes
- Focus on listening, specifically listening to learn rather than listening just to respond
And Our Speakers Have a Few Suggestions:
- Elizabeth suggests joining the Boston Knapsack Anti Racism Group she helps organize to continue engaging in dialogue about racism and racial justice.
- Natalie encourages everyone to check out her Culture, Equity, Power and Influence course at Northeastern University. And if you can't take the course then read the main text, Readings for Diversity and Social Justice.