How to Learn, Listen and be a Better Ally
Let me preface this by saying I do not have all of the answers. However, I do know that the time has passed to stand on the sidelines. I, like so many right now, want to learn more so I can be a better ally. This is an effort that will take all of us. As so many have said, this isn’t about politics. It’s about human rights. After doing some research I wanted to put together a list of resources to become further educated and actively show support. As a mother, some of these are specifically geared towards not only teaching ourselves but our children.
Learn
Understanding the history and current circumstances are crucial to taking meaningful action and next steps. Here are just a few resources to get started.
Read & Listen:
ACLU – Racial Profiling and Justice
Publications from the UCLA Civil Rights Project
So You Want to Talk About Race
For Kids
Something Happened in Our Town
We’re Different, We’re the Same
Watch:
“13th” – A documentary that goes into the history of racial inequality in the United States and present-day implications within the prison system.
Confronting Myths in Black History – a TED talk given by David Ikard
Cost of Racism – a TED talk given by Heather C. McGhee
Black Lives Matter – A TED talk interview conducted with the founders of Black Lives Matter
Do Better
Teaching the next generation will play a pivotal role in what comes next. As many parents have stepped into the role of teacher, tolerance.org can act as a great resource for lesson plans including student texts and activities.
Donate your time or money to the following organizations including NAACP, Black Lives Matter, Color of Change, and, ACLU.
Support black-owned businesses and brands such as The Honey Pot Co., CUSHNIE, Golde, and Briogeo.
Share community resources and tools with the audience you have available.
Follow new accounts. Some suggestions include Rachel Cargle, Glamazon Diaries, Nikkolas Smith, and Holly-Marie Cato.
Support resources like The Conscious Kid.
Register to vote and show up on election day.
Medium put out a great list of actionable items if you’re unsure of where to start within your own community.
This is by no means a complete list but it’s a start. If you have any other resources on how to be better ally, please let me know in the comments. I’d love to learn more and share them.
xo, Olivia
Thank you so much for your courage in posting this! xoxoxoxo