Page 12
On May 30, 2020, Assistant Editor of Square Peg Books and contributor at Worldplay Magazine, Mireille Harper shared on social media the “10 Steps to Non-Optical Allyship.”
Understand What Optical Allyship is
Read up on Anti-Racist Works
“Allyship that only serves at the surface level to platform the ‘ally’; it makes a statement but does not go beneath the surface & is not aimed at the breaking away from the systems of power that oppress.”
It is not enough to be against racism, you need to be actively taking steps to work towards being anti-racist.
Be Prepared to Do the Work
Donate to Funds & Support Initiatives
Understanding that coming to terms with your own privilege will Support platforms & initiatives which support black people, such as not be a pretty or fun experience. It is necessary to feel feelings of the Minnesota Freedom fund, black-owned funding platforms like guilt, shame & anger throughout this process. Coming to terms with Kwanda, & petitions. these feelings & accepting them is part of the process. Put your money & pen where your mouth is.
Avoid Sharing Content which is Traumatic
Do Not Centre this Narrative Around Yourself
Whatever your intentions are, it is vital to understand that sharing videos of black people being abused & hurt are both traumatic and triggering for many black people. If doing so, provide a trigger warning for the sensitive material.
It is not the time to insert personal experiences into a narrative that isn’t about you. It is harmful to take away the severity of the situation. Leave your ego behind.
Check in on Your Black Friends, Family, Partners, Loved Ones & Colleagues
Stop Supporting Organizations that Promote Hate
This is an emotional & traumatic time for the black community, & you checking in on them means more than you can imagine. Ask how you can provide support for them.
If you read pieces on media platforms that promote hate or fund supremacist & hateful organizations, you are contributing to the problem. Equally, stop supporting organizations that love “black culture”, but fail to speak up on issues affecting the black community.
