Be an Ally

This post is long overdue. In part it is overdue because I have been reading and educating myself about my own biases, inconsistencies, and blindspots relating to racism in this country. I also am trying to raise up voices of color on my social media platforms rather than rely on what my predominately white social group is saying and doing. I think one of the best things I can do as a white woman is to continue to listen and learn and admit when I'm wrong or when I have overlooked issues of racial inequality and police brutality because of my own white privilege.

Today is Juneteenth, which is something I only recently heard of.  It was a date overlooked in any of the history books I read growing up--even in college, actually. I'm going to post a short explanation found at the Zinn Education Project below:

Juneteenth or Emancipation Day – is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Why is this not a national holiday to celebrate freedom?
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It is reported that on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas. They brought the news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.
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Learn about Juneteenth from:
- Juneteenth: The Growth of an African American Holiday by Quintard Taylor, BlackPast.org
- The history of Juneteenth acknowledges hard history while also empowering students to be advocates for change by Coshandra Dillard, Teaching Tolerance

It's important to recognize that what we (white people) view as our Independence Day (July 4th) is a very narrow definition of independence and freedom. I admit that my view of history is much more white centric or white-washed that I realized, even now as an adult, an educator, and an academic. To take off the blinders and delve into both our nation's history and current events is crucial. Black men and women are being murdered by police every day. The so-called suicides of men found hanging from trees should enrage us--these are modern day lynchings, not suicides. The protests rocking our country prove that hundreds and thousands of people recognize that change is essential, crucial, and needed now.

One of the things I have been struggling with is how to be an ally. How can I use my privilege, status, and being to be part of this call for change? Donate, march, protest, lift up BIPOCs and their voices are just some of the ways in which I can engage. What's helpful, though, is to also recognize what allyship isn't. Here's a great Instagram post about that. I know there are many more posts on this topic and the other topics I've raised in this post.

In short, if you are (like me) existing in privilege, try to find ways to engage, be an ally, and to admit when you are wrong.