For me. the first step is understanding how being white is part of the history of privilege that has oppressed minorities; listening and trying to comprehend the stories of events that have brought us to where we are today. I want the emotion I feel about how whites have contributed to systematic racism to drive the proper motivation to become a genuine ally. Understanding it is a process, I don't want to cause further harm by operating in toxic white guilt. There's a lot to do to be considered an ally but unpacking the elements that contribute to the racist I am can lead me to that goal.