I think I am between Aware and Active on the Ally Continuum. Right now I am trying to learn as much as I can about the issues, the history, and the opportunities for action. One way I am an ally is I have been reaching out to my loved ones who are black and letting them know I am thinking about them, that I know they are hurting and they are probably exhausted and scared - but while I don't know what that feels like or often what it means, that I am trying to learn and that I care about them and stand with them. Another way I am an ally is participating in peaceful protests - I did one this month, and have been looking into organizing one in my own community, too. Another way I am an ally is through the completion of trainings like this that help me understand the issues, to get familiar with the history, and to identify my own shortcomings so that I may do the necessary work to improve them. One more thing - my favorite author dedicated her newsletter to black authors this month. She urged he fans to 'diversify their bookshelves' -- reading the works of black authors can help white people start to understand the culture, the perspectives, and the feelings of people of color and how everyday/common things can affect them differently than that of white/non-marginalized people. So I bought a few kindle versions of books by black authors (Hood Feminism, by Mikki Kendall; Such a Fun Age, by Kiley Reid; and Just us: An American Conversation which was a pre-order for sept). Im also planning on reading White Fragility. I signed up for a webinar/eventbrite virtual event by author Ibram X. Kendi and i bought his book "How to be an Antiracist". I am looking for more ways to be an ally and grow on this important ally continuum. I try to be active on social media; sharing some of my leanrings and self-reflections. I wonder if that is taboo or frowned upon (is it in the 'steamrolling' category?)...Please reply with additional suggestions. Thank you.
