The question of how a white person can be an ally in the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as to people of color in general, is an ongoing discussion. I, as a white person, look to people of color in continuing to learn what I can do to prevent racial injustices, because while white folk can sympathize, it is impossible for us to empathize, to truly identify with their cause. I want to preface this piece by saying that I have no authority on this subject matter; this is more just a collection of my thoughts in light of the recent events of police brutality against black folk in Charlotte.

1) Consider racism as a multi-dimensional system

Racism is often defined in a singular sense, as belief that a person or a society can have regarding the superiority of a race based on inherent characteristics associated with that race. There is a distinct intention implicated in this singular belief; if a person says something racist and did so knowingly, then they are a bad person. However, this definition is limiting in that it does not hold accountable those who are unaware they are being racist, those who unknowingly act in accordance with racism that is intrinsic within our society. Dr. Robin DiAngelo says that “since whites built and dominate all significant institutions, (often at the expense of and on the uncompensated labor of other racial groups), their interests are embedded in the foundation of our society.” Racism is not only a belief, it is a system of oppression exerted against people of color.

2) Recognize your privilege

Some white people hesitate to acknowledge the reality of their white privilege – they’ve worked hard for what money they have earned, for the education they have obtained, for their executive position in a large company. The concept of white privilege does not undercut the work that white people have put into what they have achieved; it does not threaten the validity of their accomplishments. It is simply a recognition of the fact that they do not have to surmount centuries worth of oppressive legislation and sentiment imbued in systems that construct our society to reach a position of power or wealth, to access education, whereas this is something that people of color do face.

3) Don't feel guilty

In learning to understand my white privilege, one of the initial emotions I experienced was guilt; guilt for the position I'm in, for having access to the opportunities and resources I do. In conversation with one of my non-white friends, I mentioned my guilt. While she could comprehend where it was coming from, she also informed me that it was an entirely unproductive way to feel. White people feeling guilty for racial injustices not only stagnates action on their part, but it redirects the focus of racial injustices back to them, as if they should be pitied for benefiting from their oppression. She told me that rather than feel ashamed for something I cannot control or change, I should harness my privilege as a white person, use to call attention to how people of color are being treated.

4) Have the difficult conversations

What does taking advantage of white privilege look like? One of the most basic ways to do this is in normal, daily conversations. This, of course, is always easier said than done. In interactions with close friends or family members, I get it -- the last thing you want to do is call out your old racist uncle or generally just make a situation awkward. However, speaking up in these situations is incredibility important. Microaggressions, or “brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward people of color,” seem insignificant, but if left unchecked on a regular basis, the implications are as problematic as blatant acts of racism.

5) Actively learn more

We cannot expect people of color to take on educating white people. Seek out resources that can deepen and strengthen your understanding of racial injustices in our nation. An article by the Huffington post suggests reading literature like The New Jim Crow, Between the World and Me, White Like Me, and watching Jesse Williams’ speech at the BET awards. The article also lists these resources:

• Curriculum for white Americans to educate themselves on race and racism — from Ferguson to Charleston
• White fragility: why it’s so hard to talk to white people about racism
• White privilege: unpacking the invisible knapsack
• The next time someone says “all lives matter,” show them these 5 paragraphs
• Why the NRA took so long to comment on the Philando Castile police shooting
• Philando Castile did what his mother told him to do around police. A cop shot him anyway.

Understandably, the demands of school do not always allow for the time learning about these issues deserves, but even taking ten minutes to surf the Internet and stay updated on current events contributes to an educated understanding of how racism functions and manifests in our society (watch out for that media bias doe).

If anyone has anything to add to these five points, I encourage you do to do so in the comments of this article or on Facebook. By no means is this the ultimate list of ways you can educate yourself and take action. However, as a white person who has gone to private schools my whole life, I know the majority of people reading this will be white, and I know that we need a reminder that while it is not our fight, it is our responsibility to help instigate change.