I debated writing this article because at this point I think I’ll be beating a dead horse. Everyone’s timelines and news feeds are been filled with news, thoughts and opinions about the Alt-Right/Nazi/White Supremacist rally in Charlottesville, VA.

I could drone on about how obviously problematic and scary this is, but I don't think that will be very useful or effective in trying to create change. I am a black women from a lower middle class family, so bigotry and oppression is something I’m all too familiar with.

The problem is, the oppressed have a hard time speaking out against oppression because, well...they’re oppressed. So I’m going ask for some help from some people who should really be speaking up right now: White allies.

While the term "check your privilege" has become somewhat of a meme, it is something that white people can benefit from doing if they want to make a positive impact on a society that has had a history of catering to them.

Unfortunately, it isn’t enough for minority groups to speak out against issues that affect them; when someone publicly stands up for an issue that doesn’t directly affect them, it garners attention and can create change.

This is a sad reality, but White allies have the ability to take advantage of this to speak out against prejudice and racism. You have the ability to “legitimize” issues that affect People of Color in the public eye. Now is not the time to be passive. Call out your racists relatives. Try to make them understand that these acts of hate and violence are not only evil but will ultimately have a negative effect on the United States. Show up to counter-protests.

Listen to your PoC brothers and sisters. Punch your local Nazi. You don’t want to be on the wrong side of history. The president already is.