5 Ways For Allies To Honor Black History Month
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

5 Ways For Allies To Honor Black History Month

Because there's always more you can do

59
5 Ways For Allies To Honor Black History Month

DISCLAIMER: I am white. I am not an expert and I'm not going to pretend like I am. Educating yourself and advocating for change at all times as a white person is integral to see real change. I do not understand the experience of Black people and I am not speaking from a place of knowing exactly how to honor Black History Month. These are things that you may have heard of during June, but in reality, they are the bare minimum standard of work that needs to be done for a white individual to understand their privilege and begin enacting change. Be actively antiracist, evaluate your biases and systems around you, and do it on your own. It's something to do every day, not just the month of February.

The work is not done.

So you reposted some pretty political posts on your Instagram story in June and posted a black square on Blackout Tuesday (that many of you deleted). Maybe you even attended a protest, donated to bail funds, and signed petitions. Great work! You've taken the first steps, but you absolutely cannot stop now.

No, the work has just begun.

While Black Lives Matter gained some serious spotlight time after the death of George Floyd in May, Black people and allies have been working toward the end of systemic racism, police brutality, and more for years and years.

This Black History Month, make an extra effort to learn, grow, and continue to work toward an antiracist society. Here are five little things you can do each day this month to further your education and keep the ball rolling.

1. Read a couple of chapters of an educational book every day

NYT

Or, find a good academic paper to read. My favorite piece I read when I first started exploring antiracist literature is "Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" by Peggy McIntosh. A popular book lately I've been trying to get my hands on lately is Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall. The Help is another popular book and movie (more on videos later) but beware of white savior narratives. Every morning, get some reading in before you move into your typical routine. Reading in the morning always helps me go into the day with a more analytical and inquisitive mind.

2. Interact with antiracist posts on social media

Instagram

Take a look at your discover page on Instagram. Do you have any resources or antiracist photos mixed in there? If not, that means your algorithm has strayed away from showing you that information, even if you follow multiple activist accounts. An account I follow that covers a wide array of topics is @soyouwanttotalkabout on Instagram. Hit @blklivesmatter with a follow if you haven't already as well for updates with the movement.

3. Watch educational shows and movies

Instagram

If you're not the reading type, watching movies and series' with a cast of mainly people of color, documentaries, and fiction that tackle issues dealing with racism, this is definitely the move for you. You can watch an episode a day, or spend a weekend binging. The Hate You Give is a movie that's been on my list forever that I'm planning on getting to this month. On My Block is one of my favorite shows ever, and features a fantastic Black, Indigenous and people of color cast.

4. Continue to donate to organizations and sign petitions.

change.org

Change.org has this handy feature where you see an array of petitions to swipe through after you've signed one and you can sign everyone that comes up along the lines of supporting Black families, holding police officers accountable, and any other cause regarding BIPOC. It doesn't take that long to break out your wallet and click "sign" a couple of times, and you'll be making all the difference.

5. Have those difficult conversations with those who don't agree with you

Unsplash

Keep it civil, keep it friendly, but do your best to try and get to the bottom of why someone says "All Lives Matter." They may be meaning well, but don't understand the implications of what they're saying. Tell your aunt what implicit biases are. Explain to your family why you didn't support a political candidate if it was because of their stance on Black Lives Matter or anything else to do with racism. It may be super scary and intimidating, but the people you love will 100% be willing to sit down and talk with you about how you're feeling and what you're passionate about. Here are seven ways to have a respectful conversation about race from the AARP. Recommend to them some resources that helped you get started!

Black History Month is the shortest month of the year, make it the month you commit to being continuously active in being antiracist and fighting against systemic racism.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

49846
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31787
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955312
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180493
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments