Lindsay’s List: 5 Ways to be a better ally for Black People

Lindsay's List: 5 Ways to be a better ally for Black People

By LINDSAY FRICKS

The last month has really inspired me to take a deep look into my values and make some decisions about how I can be better educated and become a change agent in the anti-racism movement. I have had some tough, but productive and necessary conversations with my white friends as I’ve started to explore this further and challenge others to speak up on behalf of our friends in the Black community.

This week I decided to depart a bit from my normal food, drinks and social topics to share some of the resources that I’ve collected to help me further my knowledge and build a small toolkit for allyship in the anti-racism and Black Lives Matter movement.

Understand the meaning of White Privilege. I am a little disheartened by so many people misinterpreting White Privilege. White Privilege doesn’t not mean you have not struggled or have an endless supply of cash. If you find yourself saying “I’m White, but I don’t feel privileged” then you do not understand this term. Read more here. In the same vein,
Recognize the difference between “Black Lives Matter” and why “All Lives Matter” is insensitive. The easiest analogy is of a burning house. “All Houses Matter” isn’t applicable when there is only one house on fire. All houses don’t need to be sprayed by firefighters when there’s one house on fire. It doesn’t mean your house doesn’t matter, it’s just not the house that’s burning down at the moment. Right now Black people are disproportionately dying and suffering from racial bias in our country and need all our attention and voices to help end racism and save lives.
Systemic racism is not just about police brutality. I have been humbled by the role that real estate practices of redlining have contributed to racial oppression and wealth inequities in this country for decades: “More than half a century after it was abolished, redlining continues to dictate the racial makeup of neighborhoods and Black families still feel the socioeconomic effects of such a racist housing policy,” Fairweather said. “Black families who were unable to secure housing loans in the neighborhoods where they lived have missed out on one of the major ways to build wealth in this country. And even families who were able to buy homes in their neighborhood after redlining ended haven’t earned nearly as much home equity as people who bought homes in neighborhoods that were considered more valuable.” Read the full article here.
Diversify your media sources. Try following more Black influencers, celebrities, activists, business leaders, philanthropists and politicians. I recently started following several Black Women from this post that are providing amazing and thought provoking content.

Differentiate between racism and anti-racism. I pretty much love anything Brene Brown does and her Unlocking Us interview with Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to be an Anti-Racist, is very impactful. This article captures several other podcasts that are on my list right now.

I’m so grateful for the anti-racists in my life that are really helping hold me accountable in increasing my understanding of how I can better support my friends in the Black community. I don’t claim to be perfect, but I am open-minded and curious about how we can improve the safety and inclusivity for Black people in our communities. I hope you’ll join me on this journey.

Lindsay Fricks, Helping you, your family and friends Live & Love in Arizona!

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One Comment

Brent Kleinman June 18, 2020 at 11:08pm

This is great Lindsay! I would recommend you also check out Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man https://www.youtube.com/user/Eacho18 It is so straightforward and so eye opening.

Thank you for posting this blog this week

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