If recent events have taught anything, racism and social injustices are far from finished in our society. While things have come a long way, there is still so much work to be done. Some may even go as far as to say things have taken a few steps back. With current affairs going this way, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight either.
With times being as tumultuous as they are, it is important for those who don’t fall into the BIPOC category to rally behind and around those who do. Allyship may be more critical now than it ever has been.
The Importance of Allyship
People of color have historically had disadvantaged upbringings and experiences. They have a unique and wonderful heritage, but due to societal structures in place, many have been painted negatively and undervalued.
For matters to change and equality to become a reality, people of all colors, especially those with significant privileges, must band together to demand change. The system won’t change until the oppressive structure is broken.
Be a Listener
The start to being an ally is to listen. Listen and learn to wait your turn to speak. As a non-BIPOC, it is easy to inadvertently add your own thoughts and opinions. Being an ally means supporting their narrative, not your own.
Be willing to accept criticism because while listening, odds are you’ll hear some. You must be ready and willing to understand their experience, which may make you uncomfortable. There isn’t much you can say to lighten their experience, so listen, be uncomfortable, avoid being defensive, and grow.
Understand your Privilege
Privilege plays a significant role in racial disparities. Being willing to understand that concept and take the time to learn your own is a huge step forward. To be an ally, you should acknowledge that you have privilege that minorities do not.
Your life experience may be very different based on your privileges. You don’t want to be a part of an already oppressive system.
Educate Yourself
Research and be a constant, lifelong learner. No matter how easy or harmless it may seem, avoid asking any of your BIPOC friends or coworkers. They already carry a heavy enough burden. It isn’t their job to teach you how to be better.
Start with many of the book options out there. Look up online webinars or workshops. Listen to one of the many podcasts that are out there. Use the wonderful world of the internet and social media,, which provide many resources. There is so much information at your fingertips that doesn’t involve asking someone else to do the work for you.
With this education, you can then help advocate for, inspire, and educate others around you. Maybe you will be the inspiration someone else needs to grow.
Think Long-Term Commitment
To be an ally, it requires growth. It requires continued education over time. Not living that life experience, but being able to learn about it and support it will take time. There is a shift in what you believe and shedding some of what you have been taught over the years that needs to take place.
You will mess up and get things wrong. You may say the wrong thing. The important thing is to learn from those mistakes and continue to show up and show support.
If you are a BIPOC, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for BIPOC therapy. Or contact us to learn more about individual counseling can help you become a better ally.