The Black Lives Matter Movement started as a hashtag back in 2012, after the death of Trayvon Martin, and has rapidly expanded since. The organization is dedicated to reaching racial equality and building power to intervene in violence wrongly inflicted on black individuals and communities. Racism has no place in society and so many righteous people have given their lives for this ongoing battle.
Many others, including myself, have never had to endure the hate and prejudice that follows people of color, but that is not an excuse to overlook or ignore this vital issue that swarms the nation. This just makes it even more important to choose to stand for and with marginalized groups. Being an ally means providing assistance and support to an ongoing struggle or effort. In light of Black History Month, although these issues should be addressed regardless of what month it is, seek out ways to be an active ally. If there is an advantage someone has, it should be used to promote equality.
Recognize and use privilege for the right reasons. Unfortunately, it has been shown countless times in society how a white, straight man will be heard over any person of color or member of the LGBTQ+ community. Acknowledging having privilege does not mean a person has not had to overcome hardships or that they did not work for what they own. It simply means that they have not and will not be discriminated against or dismissed based solely on aspects of their identity. Privilege can be used to speak out against injustice and amplify black voices.
It can also be used to speak up when friends or family push hurtful jokes or stereotypes. There’s a phrase “get comfortable with being uncomfortable” which refers to the fact that some topics are uncomfortable to talk about, but need to be discussed the most. Calling people out and correcting racist behavior is not supposed to be playful, it should be taken seriously and it should be uncomfortable. It is easy to gloss over things or sit back to avoid awkwardness, but now is the time for speaking up.
Another important way to use the voice of a person is by voting. Vote for the people promoting progress, workplace safety, equal opportunity, disability rights, racial equity, regulations against environmental pollution, and criminal justice reform. Lots of people do not have the ability or option to vote even on things that affect them most. Being able to vote is a privilege in itself and should be taken advantage of at every opportunity. Some think that just one vote amongst millions can not make much of a difference, but consider some of the closest elections in U.S. history. Every vote counts, so use yours.
To have accurate information to speak up about, make sure to accept feedback and education from people who are expressing their personal experiences. Being educated about the painful history, along with using the right language can make such a difference when relaying the facts to others.
Getting people more aware and knowledgeable about anti-racism is good, but it needs to be paired with action. Action from lawmakers to be more efficient on pressing matters. Action from individuals as well, everyone has a built-in unconscious bias about something or someone. There are so many ways to help train the unconscious mind and unlearn negative stereotypes, there is always more to learning.
Being an ally and providing support to these communities is so crucial that the burden of dismantling oppressive systems does not fall all on those who are oppressed, to begin with. It takes effort, and willingness to listen and uplift those who have been silenced. People of all backgrounds should be allowed to embrace their culture and exist without the constant fear of violence.