Guidelines for conducting ourselves in the fight

Jews in the D jews and racial justice

Jewish and Israeli protesters at a Black Lives Matter rally in South Bend, Indiana.

How to Be Good Allies

ALEXANDER CLEGG/JEWISH NEWS

Guidelines for conducting black community and beginning to do the chants. ourselves in the fi ght for racial justice. work. It’s time for white people to listen. Pushing our own agenda or narrative Don’t ask your black friends, colleagues or neighbors to do this work for you. Instead, use the resources already in abunREISA SHANAMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER doesn’t support the black community. Now isn’t the time to share our own experiences dance and find your own way, or ask your white friends for assistance. Look online for M any of us have been closely following the news around our country over the last few weeks, of injustice, no matter how relevant they may seem. It’s our turn to hand over the mic. Amplify black voices. Go out of your way classes, workshops, podcasts and readings that examine unconscious bias and systemic oppression. Don’t racially gaslight. Phrases like “It was wondering how to help the Black Lives to share their stories, their artwork, their just a joke,” “Why is it always about race?” Matter movement and other groups in the writing, their struggles and their wins. If and “Are you sure that’s what happened?” struggle for racial justice. you have a platform, use it. Turn it over to a aren’t supportive and invalidate black expe

I saw a quote on social media that person of color for a day or a week and help riences. appears to have originated from Los raise their voice up. Promote and patronize Accept this will make you feel uncomAngeles-based artist Cali fortable. That’s how you know Rockowitz. I found it beneficial for my own avenues for “A revolution has many lanes — be you’re peeling back layers and examining systemic privileges engagement. It reads, “Some people are kind to yourself and to others who you’ve unknowingly enjoyed merely as a result of the color posting on social media, some are protesting in the streets, are traveling in the same direction. of your skin and the circumstances you were born into. some are donating silently, some are educating themJust keep your foot on the gas.” Understand that waking up is just the beginning. Next selves, some are having tough conversations with friends and — CALI ROCKOWITZ we have to actually do something about it. That’s how you family. A revolution has many go from being an ally to an lanes — be kind to yourself and to others their businesses, organizations and comaccomplice. Take the hands of your friends, who are traveling in the same direction. Just munities. Keep in mind that you’re there to family and neighbors, and bring them with keep your foot on the gas.” support, not to save. you on your journey. Our black brothers

If you’re a white person, no matter how If you choose to attend a protest, rememand sisters deserve this from us. you choose to engage, there are some ber you’re there as an ally to black attendees. Speak out against injustice, and stand up important guidelines for being an ally to the Follow their lead, their directions and their for those being oppressed.