Thank you for your well-written article about being an anti-racist ally. Right now, black people need more allies because the fight ahead is long and difficult. Your article touched on some important aspects of the struggle.
Racism is more than just prejudice, it’s systemic. Your article touched on this aspect of it by indicating the level of assistance needed. We need white people to support policies aimed at dismantling racism in our systems of government and in the private sector.
This struggle is unique because it asks allies to be proactive in their advocacy. However, it doesn’t need to be a rush job. I advise anyone trying to be an ally at this time to read some books about racism (overt and covert).
I have noticed that many people are now starting to understand systematic racism much better. The wealth of the average black family is one-tenth the wealth of the average white family in America. To fix this problem, some form of wealth redistribution will be necessary. Support reparations. And before anyone mentions $$$$, understand that this is not only about fixing the wealth gap. It’s about restorative justice which allows victims to confront their abusers while a neutral party helps to determine the next steps.
They can listen to the concerns of black people in their communities. Reaching across the aisle is not easy but it is necessary to slay this dragon.
