Allyship at Work: How White Women Can Better Support Black Women
Important Note:
I want to start this blog by calling out that I am a white woman. While I have spent years working to unlearn biases and to better educate myself on not only my privileges as a white woman but also on the experiences and history of Black women, it goes without saying that I cannot possibly ever fathom the true experience of being a Black woman in this very discriminatory world. The turning point for me was when I first read Malcolm X’s quote - “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” As a young, still very ignorant white woman in America, this quote really shook me. Mostly because society had not led me to believe this was the case. At this time in my life, I was truly discovering feminism and what it meant to be an empowered, independent, courageous woman. What I had not thought about…was how all of those new beliefs and values could still be letting Black women down because feminism and women’s empowerment were still largely white-focused. From then on I challenged myself to dig even deeper into my views on traditional feminism, women’s empowerment, and how those movements let Black women down time and time again.
While this blog touches on one tiny aspect of how white women can be better allies to Black women, it’s important to note that this is just the beginning. I’m writing this blog because I think the responsibility to help white women be better allies should not fall on Black women. We, as white women, must be the ones to educate and challenge each other on how whiteness and systemic racism continue to keep Black women down.
One last thing…I want to add the disclaimer that I am by no means an expert on how to be a better ally. I am human and therefore continue to learn and unlearn every day. That said, I’ve made a point of educating myself as much as possible on these issues whether through books, articles, podcasts, or through conversations with Black women.
As we honor Black History Month, it's a momentous occasion for all of us to reflect on the invaluable contributions made by Black women in every aspect of society, including the workplace. From trailblazers in civil rights movements to pioneers in science, arts, business, and beyond, Black women have consistently shattered barriers and paved the way for progress and equality. Their resilience, brilliance, and unwavering dedication serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all. As a white woman, I firmly believe that it's not only crucial but also our responsibility to actively support and uplift our Black female colleagues.
In a world where systemic inequalities persist, creating an inclusive workplace where everyone's voices are heard and valued is not only a moral obligation but also essential for fostering innovation, creativity, and success. By embracing diversity and championing equity, we not only honor the legacy of Black women but also enrich our collective experiences and drive positive change for generations to come.
Acknowledge Privilege and Listen
One of the first steps towards effective allyship is acknowledging our privilege as white women. Understand that our experiences may differ significantly from those of our Black colleagues due to systemic inequalities. Take the time to listen actively and empathetically to their experiences, perspectives, and concerns without judgment. Educate yourself on issues such as systemic racism, intersectionality, and unconscious bias. And I want to point out the obvious, which is that it may feel uncomfortable to be confronted by your privilege, but as Cory Collins states in his article for the SPLC, “ Don’t take it personally or use discomfort as an excuse to disengage. Feelings of guilt or defensiveness are common responses, but ultimately, they’re counterproductive.”¹ And remember, it's not the responsibility of Black women to educate us; it's our duty to seek out knowledge and understanding.
Educate Yourself Continuously
To create a more inclusive and equitable workplace, it's crucial to make a sustained commitment to learning about issues related to race, diversity, and inclusion. This involves actively seeking out resources that can help us deepen our understanding of the unique challenges faced by Black women in the workplace. We can do this by engaging in self-reflection, reading relevant literature, attending workshops, and actively seeking out opportunities to learn from others. By consistently educating ourselves, we can gain the knowledge and insights we need to be effective advocates for meaningful change and work towards creating a more just and equitable future for all.
A few resources that have helped me:
Books:
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad
Next on my reading list: The Trouble with White Women: A Counterhistory of Feminism by Kyla Schuller
Podcasts:
Know Better Do Better byMarie Beecham
The Diversity Gap by Bethaney Wilkinson
Seeing White by John Biewen
Amplify Black Voices
In professional settings, it's not uncommon for the opinions and ideas of Black women to be dismissed or brushed aside. That’s why, it's important to leverage your position and privilege to amplify their voices and ensure that they are heard and credited for their contributions during meetings, discussions, and decision-making processes.
The best way to do that? Atnre Alleyne, the founder of The Proximity Project, says, “Push yourself to give a platform to a Black changemaker who is not at the top of everyone’s invitation list. I promise you Black brilliance is not in short supply. Push yourself to amplify a variety of Black perspectives, not just the ones that feel easy on the ears. And don’t overlook young Black voices.”²
And I wish this went without saying, but it’s also essential to avoid interrupting or speaking over Black women and refrain from taking credit for their achievements. Instead, make sure to recognize and champion their successes and promote their growth and advancement within the organization.
Advocate for Inclusive Policies
As a responsible member of your company, it's important to actively work towards identifying and addressing any unfairness or inequality that may exist within it. You can do this by advocating for policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, such as implementing initiatives that encourage diverse hiring, providing inclusive leadership training, or establishing equitable performance evaluation systems. By using your influence and actively pushing for meaningful change, you can help foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace environment.
Stand Up Against Microaggressions
According to Black Women Thriving’s 2022 report, an astounding 66% of Black women report not feeling emotionally safe at work. While Ericka Hines, BWT’s founder, wasn’t surprised by that stat, she did say that “it was profound to hear that while Black women may feel they have colleagues they can confide in, they don’t feel those colleagues will actually stand up for them when the moment calls for it.”³
As allies we have to do better, which is why it's essential to speak up and take action in the face of microaggressions, biases, or outright discrimination (because otherwise, I’d argue we’re not really allies at all).
Whether it's calling out problematic behavior in the moment, addressing it with HR or leadership, or advocating for policy changes, we must not remain silent in the face of injustice. Be proactive in addressing and confronting microaggressions directed towards Black women in the workplace. Intervene when you witness discriminatory behavior or biased comments. Foster open dialogue and provide support to those who may have been impacted. Advocate for a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and ensure that all employees feel valued and respected.
Final Thoughts
Allyship cannot merely be a passive stance but must be an active commitment to advocating for equality and justice. As white women, we have a crucial role to play in supporting our Black female colleagues and creating a more inclusive workplace for all. By acknowledging privilege, educating ourselves, amplifying Black voices, advocating for inclusive policies, and addressing microaggressions, we can work together toward building a more equitable and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Let's honor Black History Month by reaffirming our commitment to true allyship and solidarity in the workplace. And most importantly, continue that commitment every single day, not, just during Black History Month.
And if I leave you with anything I’ve learned it should be this….
In the wise words of Tynisha Meidl:
“White women, if you are going to start speaking, pause—do not take center stage immediately. Listen for the stories, struggles, suggestions and triumphs of Black women, and let the first reaction from your lips be one of support, not of questioning their truth. White women, before you talk about how you’re an ally, about all the Peggy McIntosh you know, how you’re been to the White Privilege Conference every year, just hold on. Ask questions that are open and honest; ask towards understanding, not to challenge. Don’t add your opinion of the truth that is shared; sit with the uncomfortability and don’t cry. Black women don’t want to see your tears. We want to see your solidarity.”⁴
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¹ What Is White Privilege, Really? (2018). Learning for Justice. https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/fall-2018/what-is-white-privilege-really
² atnre.alleyne. (2021). Five ways you can honor black history and amplify black voices right now – The Proximity Project. Theproximitypro.com. https://theproximitypro.com/five-ways-you-can-honor-black-history-and-amplify-black-voices-right-now/
³ Creating Psychological Safety for Black Women at Your Company. (2023, May 22). Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2023/05/creating-psychological-safety-for-black-women-at-your-company
⁴ Meidl, T. (2016, February 12). Six Simple Ways White Women Can Be Feminist Allies to Black Communities - Ms. Magazine. Ms. Magazine. https://msmagazine.com/2016/02/12/6-simple-ways-white-women-can-be-feminist-allies-for-black-history-month-and-always/
