This blog is to give sincere thanks to Whites who are standing beside Black people during this troubling time. Black voices may be the loudest, but Whites’ voices are most likely to move the needle. Often Whites ask how I can help. While Blacks appreciate the liking and sharing of posts. There is something else that Blacks desperately need from their White allies to edge closer towards equality. Blacks need White allies to serve as their advocates behind the scenes. In today’s society, acts of discrimination are most likely to occur in ambiguous situations. These are situations where actions rooted in racism are easily attributed to reasons other than race.
Today, police brutality against Blacks always has a convenient excuse stating that excessive force was somehow necessary. Because police have immunity and most of what happens does not make it on camera, Blacks are virtually powerless in their attempts to contest acts committed against them. Racist Whites primarily hide their racist beliefs in discriminatory actions from Blacks but not necessarily from Whites. There exist an opportunity for White allies to be interventionists on behalf of Blacks. Now is the time for White allies to pull out their cameras and record the racial injustice they observe. Then, after making several copies, turn the evidence in to the proper authorities.
White allies who work in management or executive offices have opportunities to interfere when applications with urban-sounding names are discarded or tossed to the side. White allies can also speak up when Black candidates outshine all other prospects, but the closet racists on staff argue the Black candidates will not be a good fit. Here lies an opportunity to stop cultural racism and discrimination from preventing Black inclusion and advancement in primarily White workplaces.
White allies working in housing can interfere when Blacks are told there are no more vacancies when indeed there are. White allies can intervene when they observe an inconsistency between White and Black tenants’ treatment, such as tenant warnings or extensions on rent. Being an interventionist can include a variety of approaches. White allies can secretly report the discrimination to proper channels if it makes a difference. At times, White allies can resolve issues without anyone knowing, for example, calling Black customers back to inform them of the availability. White allies may decide to make it their business to serve as the representatives that mainly help Black clients.
There are many ways to get involved. The main objective is to work against the individuals contributing to ongoing racism and discrimination. White allies may find that they can educate some, but in most cases, they will deal with fixed mindsets. When observing racists operating covertly, White allies should do the same to thwart attempts to maintain White supremacy. White allies should consider taking on the role of what would be a modern-day abolitionist. However, instead of opposing slavery, they are fighting against racism and discrimination.
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