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So. You want to be a better ally to Black people? OK, here you go. A whole Black History Month thread. (1/10)
Being an ally isn't about you. First, second, last and third verse. You center your work on those who are marginalized. If it feels easy, great! If it feels hard, great! IF IT FEELS LIKE IT'S ABOUT YOU, NOPE. Let's try that again. (2/10)
Being an ally means you come correct with your terms. What does BIPOC mean? Who does it help? Who does it hurt? Can you give me an example of privilege? Can you give another? What's the real definition of intersectionality? Learn your words. Use them right. (3/10)
Being an ally means, for goodness sake, talk to the people in your own identify group. Don't rely on marginalized communities to do the work. Remember. Your voice resounds the loudest with your own friends and family. Will it feel uncomfortable? Yup! See next tweet. (4/10)
Being an ally means YOU WILL FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE! Hello! Welcome to how Black folk feel every day in majority spaces. So learn from that discomfort. Find what you need, more knowledge, skills, allies, to get your voice heard. We live with discomfort. So can you. (5/10)
Being an ally means you use love to drive out hate. That is in fact what MLK said. The man knew what he was talking about. You don't accommodate it, cushion it, justify it, or shake your head say, "Well, actually." Sage clean that hate, y'all. Get it all the way gone. (6/10)
Being an ally means you hold yourself accountable to the change you are committing to. Tell me. What do you want to learn in the next 3 months? In the next 6? What change do you want to put into place right now? Accountability matters. Use it to measure your own growth. (7/10)
Being an ally means more than just changing hearts and minds. You can spend your life trying to change one heart and mind. Focus your energy on changing systems. What policies are in place that benefit some and exclude others? Systemic change. That's the work. (8/10)
Being an ally means you are going to say the wrong thing. You will hurt someone else. Be humble enough to accept correction. Be brave enough to apologize for the impact of your actions. Be loud enough to share with others that this behavior should never be done again. (9/10)
Last one. Being an ally is a long road. Stay with us. Even when it's two steps back, and no steps forward. Find your people who support you. Lean on them when you need the energy. And always refill your tank as you go on. Please keep going. This is the work of justice. (10/10)
