Black History does not start in February. However, our nation’s formal designation of February as Black History Month serves as a timely reminder to honour the remarkable achievements of the Black community. It is a time to highlight the pivotal role that Black people played in North American history. Celebrations like Black History Month are crucial at spreading awareness of both the positive and negative experiences of this marginalized group in the workplace and society at large. Moreover, it is a great opportunity to invite allies to engage and learn how to support ongoing diversity talks from a place of empathy and awareness.
Although we have made some progress in promoting open and transparent conversations about race, we must acknowledge the depth of the historical context. This requires ongoing active work towards the desired changes we collectively need to create a safe and enriching work culture for our Black peers and colleagues. This work is necessary and long overdue.
A great way to commemorate Black History Month is by making a commitment to become a better ally within our own communities. With that being said, how does one become a better ally?
Here are seven ways to get started:
Support and promote Black-owned businesses. Supporting Black-owned businesses develops relationships and increases community spirit. Black entrepreneurship can fuel the Black community’s economic prosperity. When you support black-owned businesses, you’re also supporting black pride and self-determination.
Actively listen. It is our duty as allies to provide a safe space that acknowledges and supports Black people in healing from perpetual historical trauma, and strengthens their sense of identity. Making space for Black colleagues to share their experiences requires de-centering yourself and validating their lived experiences.
Educate yourself. Make an effort to learn about Black history. This emotionally heavy responsibility should not be shouldered by the Black community alone. This is an effort that requires a collective contribution by every member of the community. There are so many excellent resources online and events taking place within the community. Acknowledging where we’ve come from and where we are headed is not finite and requires continuous reflection and education. An excellent resource is Emmanuel Acho’s book, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man or his Youtube series.
Stand up. Addressing microaggressions as soon as they are experienced allows the violation to be identified and its consequences to be discussed while the specific incident is still fresh in everyone’s mind. Immediacy is crucial when it comes to rectifying poor behavior. Try to find words that do not put the recipient on the defense. Have a couple of lines prepared to ensure you know what to say. “I’m not sure you are aware but that comment… It is important to use this tool in a controlled environment. Remember – standing up should not be based on feelings but based on values. If immediately addressing microaggressions is not possible, make sure that you develop a plan to address it in a safe and effective way shortly after the incident and follow up with those directly impacted by such aggressions.
Be Receptive. You may not realize that your comments affect people negatively. Someone may need to share with you that your comments are microaggressions. If this happens, apologize and hear the person out. Learning that your words matter allows all parties to grow and create a safe space. Prepare for resistance and disagreement. One of the reasons we avoid discussing race is that it makes people defensive. Invite them to sit with you in the awkwardness of their words or actions while you work together to figure out the cause of their behavior and beliefs.
Stop avoiding and redirecting uncomfortable discussions around race. We are frequently hesitant to engage in this type of conversation at work, but it is critical that we do so in all aspects of our lives, including the workplace. These dialogues are necessary to help us move forward and find solutions.
Take initiative within your community to promote dialogue on social inequities and discriminatory policies and practices. Get involved in your workplace and in the larger community. Show solidarity by actually showing up!
Allyship requires more than just knowing about diversity and acknowledging that social inequity exists. It requires us to challenge assumptions, beliefs, and attitudes and expose unconscious bias. Allyship is about vigilantly identifying and addressing the ways in which implicit biases shape our perceptions and understandings of ourselves and others. Being an effective ally is not a passive nor painless role. It is accompanied by uncomfortable conversations and challenging moments of self-reflection. While the first steps to effective allyship are not easy, with time and practice an ally’s ability to identify and call out concerns in their workplace and community becomes easier.
Black history reflects both triumph and struggle. This discourse continues to go ahead thanks to the persistent and consistent efforts of dedicated individuals at work and in our communities. While there is still much to be done, Black History Month provides an excellent chance for members of the Black community to share their experiences and for allies to actively listen, understand, support, and empower them.
Real allyship necessitates the transformation of our day-to-day landscape, which will certainly involve more dedication and empathy. It is a proactive relationship that consists of actively listening, continuously learning, and using your privilege to expose oppressive policies and practices. It is our shared duty as human beings to promote the equity of all peoples.
Last year we learned; this year we start our ongoing journey to transform.