10 Steps to Non-Optical Allyship

Understand What Optical Allyship is

“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.”

Be Prepared to Do the Work

Understanding that coming to terms with your own privilege will not be a pretty or fun experience. It is necessary to feel feelings of guilt, shame & anger throughout this process. Coming to terms with these feelings & accepting them is part of the process.

Avoid Sharing Content which is Traumatic

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.

Check in on Your Black Friends, Family, Partners, Loved Ones & Colleagues

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.

Read up on Anti-Racist Works

It is not enough to be against racism, you need to be actively taking steps to work towards being anti-racist.

Ink Print Multiple of a Linoleum Cut by Devin Healy

Donate to Funds & Support Initiatives

Support platforms & initiatives which support black people, such as the Minnesota Freedom fund, black-owned funding platforms like Kwanda, & petitions.

Put your money & pen where your mouth is.

Do Not Centre this Narrative Around Yourself

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.

Stop Supporting Organizations that Promote Hate

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.

Keep Supporting After the Outrage

Keep supporting black media, black initiatives, charitable organizations & continuw your work AFTER attention has died down.

Start your Long-Term Strategy

How are you making a long-term impact or affecting change? Can you mentor a young person? Can you become a trustee for an organization that supports the black community? Could you offer your time to volunteer? Make the effort to do something valuable over a long-term period.