01/17/2022
Here is what I have learned. Bandwagoning does not make a true relationship.
I can post, reshare, and like all the social justice content I can get my hands on, but...that doesn't make me an ally.
And to be completely honest and transparent, I am still learning what it looks like to be an ally. It's a process, and at times, a messy one. But if I love humanity, then I will do the work to learn.
My current practice looks something like this:
🟣 I'm mindful of what I repost. I ask myself, "Why am I reposting this? Have I credited the OP? Am I being self-serving?"
🟣 I do not look to my POC friends for approval or validation of my allyship. It is not their job to tell me I'm doing a good job.
🟣 I am open and grateful when they point out things I have said or done that need adjusting.
Racism is still a massive problem, and we have to keep shutting it the hell down.
It is my calling as a human to love, honor, support, and respect my fellow humans, and I want to do it with integrity and love.
Here is a beautifully written article by Kia Young, Digital Marketing Strategist, about how small businesses can interact and address national conversations. Thank you, Kia, for providing this helpful and necessary resource for small businesses.
https://kiayoung.com/three-ways-to-speak-out/
