Are you an ally?

How many times have you greeted someone with a “Hello, how are you doing?” And then you’ve continued to walk in passing, barely hearing the answer before you continue about your day. Take a moment to reflect on that thought.

Imagine this, a black/ brown man is shot by the police during a traffic stop and he later dies from the incident. This event makes national news and there are emotions on both sides related to cause and circumstances. In this situation you are yourself... a parent, a child, a teacher, a student, a doctor, a coach, just fill in the blank. As you arrive at your place of work or study and etc. you encounter a friend or colleague or student that is black/ brown.

What exactly do you say to this person? How do you interact with this person? Do you have a relationship with this person? What do you do? What does being an ally mean to you? (Please feel free to answer these questions below!)

As 2021 continues, you will have a moment to not just imagine or think, but a moment to act. I hope that you take the time to be empathic, sincere, and understanding. Maybe it involves listening, maybe it involves a hug, maybe it just simply starts with the statement, “you were on my mind, and I thought it was important to check in on you.”