Here’s what you should do as an ally in the wake of Charlottesville

tips

news  • 

Here’s what you should do as an ally in the wake of Charlottesville

If you’re asking ‘what next?’, this is the answer

This weekend a group of white supremacists gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia to 'Unite the Right'. The rally began as a response to the removal of a Robert E. Lee statue and ended with a car plowing into counter-protestors, 19 injuries, and the death of activist, Heather D. Heyer.

They came bearing confederate flags, burning tiki torches, racist signs, and weapons.

"We will not be replaced," they chanted.

"Blood and soil," they said.

After an event like this you should be angry. You should be sad. You should magnify your feelings to the 100th degree and think about how black people are feeling, and how Jewish people are feeling, and how marginalized groups have had to feel this way their entire lives. Because this "breaking news" is nothing new, not anymore.

It’s easy to let pain turn into complacency. Don’t let that be you. So if you’re wondering what to do next — which hopefully you are — here are a few suggestions on active steps you can take as an ally.

Educate yourself

White people should understand their roles as allies, and this crowdsourced Google Doc is a lengthy but necessary way to do just that. It's a reading-list broken down into categories, ranging from, "How exactly do white supremacy and systemic racism operate?" to the "History of #BlackLivesMatter." There are also recommendations for accessible books, movies, and longer form essays. Start a book club. Invite your less-woke friends. Maybe even your problematic grandmother!

An excerpt from the doc reads:

"Many of these sources are not from traditional news media outlets. This is intentional, as those outlets often times only feature the most heard voices and partially got us into this mess in the first place."

Protest

Facebook is a fast way to find local protests happening near you, like yesterday's event outside of Trump Tower.

Help bring attention to your college campuses. Look for student-run groups you can support. Encourage your friends to attend. Charlottesville is a college town and white supremacists have previously tried to recruit college students.

The Resistance Near Me app is a great tool to find protests happening near you. It also links you with your representative's contact information. All you have to do is enter your zip code.

Donate

Remember that activism doesn’t always have to be physical, you can be an activist without marching and protesting. If you aren't able to protest a great way to help is by donating. Here are some places to start:

NAACP Charlottesville chapter

The UVA Black Student Alliance

University of Virginia Hillel

Impact Cville (An Interfaith movement bringing together Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant communities)

GoFundMe Victim Relief

Marcus Martin, a victim injured while counter protesting

Allie, another counter protesting victim

Remember to listen

If you're speaking out against Friday's event, make sure your voice isn't silencing those directly affected by it. This is not a time for your mouth to be open, it's a time for your ears to be. Listen to others and then speak to people marginalized voices may not be able to reach.

Be present for the people in your life affected by events like this. Be grateful if they choose to let you in on their pain. Be aware that white supremacy is and has always been terrorism.