5 ways to become a better ally to people in marginalized communities
By Tracy Akinade
Between the effects of a global pandemic and ongoing systemic racism—which is also being called a virus—we are living through trying and troubled times. Black Americans and marginalized communities in particular are suffering. The ramifications of both can leave us feeling hopeless, helpless and just plain tired. But there’s hope. There’s faith. And there are also opportunities to take meaningful action.
What can I do?
Lean on your faith. Justice, fairness, peace, and love are the cornerstones of many of our faiths. In fact, every major world religion adheres to the Golden Rule of doing unto others as you would to yourself. Applying the basic tenets of prayer, self-examination, knowledge and wisdom, and loving your neighbor is a good start.
Whether it’s at work, at home, on Facebook, or in your local clubs and activities, you know or are near someone who could use your support. You may not understand what they’re going through. You may lack the perfect words to express at this time. But you can examine yourself. You can do your research. You can ask those who are hurting how they are doing. And you can listen and learn from their response.
And if you’re not connected to anyone that might need your support right now, you can still take this journey.
Being a better ally
These are a few ways to be a better “ally.” Although the term means many things to many people, we’re going to use it here to help define the ongoing and evolving journey that comes with not only praying, researching, and listening, but taking on someone else’s struggle as your own.
5 ways to start
- Reach out and listen with your ears—and heart. Listen and empathize with what people from marginalized communities are saying. Recognize the places and platforms where they are expressing themselves and avoid inserting your thoughts in order to hear theirs. Reach out to those around you
- Challenge your mindset and be open to learning new realities. We’re products in part of what we’ve heard and have been told. But those things aren’t always rooted in facts. How much do you really know about the issues at hand? Challenge your thinking and any privilege. Build upon what you know is fact and research and test your beliefs and biases by seeking content from trustworthy sources, including books and films, that detail the history of devastating events that impact marginalized communities.
- Leverage your religious conversations and readings. Tap into your source of faith and inspiration. Pray for guidance, a changed heart, and to stay committed to justice for all. Pray for those around you who are struggling and use the conversations you have with them as a guide. Consider how to work in their responses to your prayers and compare stories or principles in your holy texts to what you’re hearing for reassurance as well as additional touch points. Look for ways to have the conversations about allyship with faith leaders and within religious assemblies.
- Speak up. Stand up. Show up. Let people in your circles know where you stand. Share your journey, any growth opportunities, and any new information that you’ve found. Have crucial conversations with those you know must hear what you’ve learned. Look for ways to donate or show another means of support. Despite any fear or uncertainty, be empowered to intervene and ask for better for those who need it. Attend or support events held by marginalized communities.
- Help build bridges. This is not a race, but a marathon. You’ll need to figure out based on your own situation how to stay tuned in. Understand that marginalized people don’t have the privilege of “tuning out.” Follow brands that speak to where you are and can assist with your ongoing education. Look for opportunities to pray out loud, share related content, volunteer, mentor, assist, support… so you can stay engaged in the long run. And, as always, rely on your faith to help remind you that hope is on the horizon.
Does reading about faith inspire you? Do you have a story or information about your faith you want to share? Tell us more!
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