Best Practices for
It is the job of anyone striving to be an ally to continuously educate ourselves about how to show up in ways that are both effective and accountable to people of color. Here are some tips:
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Ways that white people can respectfully show up to POC
led actions (from The Movement for Black Lives M4BL):
1. Listen and follow the leadership of POC organizers
-We must ensure that POC organizations are guiding us
-Let POC speak before any white person speaks
-Ensure that we are acknowledging all minorities and oppressed groups being affected
-White allies work to provide the platform but step back and let POC use said platform
-White allies can occupy space and speak on issues if POC organizers are okay with this
2. Inform people on how to speak on their own experiences
-Certain signs and chants are NOT meant for white allies
-For example, “I can’t breathe”, “hands up don’t shoot” are chants that ONLY apply to POC and black individuals
-Signs that read “am I next?” or “does my life matter” (or any sign like this) do NOT apply to white allies
-Certain words are meant for black individuals and black protesters, as a white person this is not your experience so do not speak on it
-Focus on your involvement in the issue and how you can support the movement, chants like “no justice, no peace” or “black lives matter” or signs that say “white silence = violence” or “say their names” are acceptable for allies
3. Hold others accountable, stay on message
-Talk with white people who are off-message or disruptive
-Staying on message is VITAL
-POC organizers will explain THEIR message and THEIR demands and as white allies, we do not stray from it
-As a white person, this movement is not about you, it is not about your experiences or your message
-If another white person is bringing in their own message it is NOT the job of the POC organizers to hold them accountable it is YOUR job
4. Practice non-cooperation with law enforcement
-If you are white your skin is your shield, you don’t need protective gear or weapons to act as a shield against the police
-When needed, stand between police and POC
5. When necessary, redirect media reps to POC organizers/protesters
-If approached by the media decline to answer and redirect them to the appropriate person
-It is important that the media showcases black and POC voices that are relevant to the movement
6. Protect protesters/organizers identity (especially POC)
-Blur faces
-Ask consent before taking/sharing photos or videos (if people in them are identifiable)
From https://m4bl.org/
