I Need More Than Just Allies

Hello Good People!

As the past few weeks have unfolded – we can see the world is changing literally in front on our eyes. As a black woman – I can say my emotions are wrecked! I constantly go from heavy heavy sadness to a big smile of joy when seeing the tens of thousands of people marching for a better life for all, primarily black lives.

In tandem with trending hastags such as #blacklivesmatter #georgefloyd #breonnataylor #nojusticenopeace another that I have seen added to the list is #ally. Now if you know me, I am constantly reading and trying to learn something new. I constantly read different things so I can gain different perspectives and learn from various cultures. I love learning!!

So, I sat down and actually looked up the word ‘Ally’ – have you actually looked up the definition lately…? Don’t worry, I have a screen shot of it for you below:

I took this straight from Google. Look it up yourself if you do not believe me lol.

Now reading the definitions I was a little surprised. It has reference to supporting military - that’s awkward given our current state in the country; it mentions supporting organizations which I feel very much align to the current state and the black lives matter movement.

But in honesty, I need more than just an ally. What I need is an Advocate.

*Goes back to Google*

Can you see the difference?

Even when just looking at just the similar words for each – for ally it says: Associate, colleague, friend, supporter; whereas advocate say champion, backer, promoter, recommend…

I feel Ally is the first step… but then I need you to take it up a notch to Advocate.

• I need you to recommend me for a job to your superior because of my work product.

• I need you to be a promoter of my business and recommend people buy from it.

• I need you to be a champion in making sure my voice is heard, get credit on major projects and that I get the same treatment as my peers.

• I need people to commend me for my work and get paid at the same level of pay as white males.

• I need advocates that are going to take on the health care system, school system, political arena and the criminal justice system to completely revamp the systems in place so that it is truly fair for all. (I know those are big items – but truth).

There are so many roles and ways an advocate can help; it is endless. But trust I am not just saying you do it all. No, I am here to work too. But be clear – it has to be a collaboration, not a ‘I give you a plan/what to say, and you just go say it’. Nope. We will put in work together.

I know some are not comfortable in that space and I never want to put pressure on people to be something they are not. In reality, I do not just need allies and advocates, I also need mentors, coaches, cheerleaders and friends.

I need mentors that I can trust & advise me. I need coaches to help me reach my full potential. I need cheerleaders who keep me motivated even when down. And lastly, I need friends who will listen to my perspective and never cast judgement.

There has to be a time were the divide stops. The divide hurts us more than helps. We have to come to the undeniable agreement that one life is not more valuable than the other.

The world is in some way waking up (again). People are looking around, truly seeing and acknowledging there is a difference in how black people are treated vs. our white peers. This is a hard pill to swallow for some. But in reality, the world has to face the ugly truth of its sins.

So, which do you fall into? Are you an Ally? Advocate? Friend? Mentor? Coach? Cheerleader? Etc.?

If you push more towards advocate, I want you to remember - Advocates are the change makers. They stand up for what is right. And they do this publicly. Advocating is not an easy job, but for as many allies that have shown support, we need just as many advocates to effect change.

#speakupla #speakuplablog #ally #advocate #friend #mentor #coach #cheerleader #howwillyouhelp #changemaker