Pt. 2: On Race in America and Earning Allyship

Listeners. We heard you loud and clear. Our last episode has already received more downloads than any we’ve ever recorded! Thank you for being with us.  

But the journey to wake up and move towards healing the pain racism causes all over the world has just begun. And every single one of us, no matter our race or location has an important role to play. We’re here by your side. 

With all that’s going on, we’ve been talking to lots of people who don’t know if or how they can play a part. So, to help you get started, we created a framework you’re going to hear about in this episode.  

But here’s a sneak peak:  

Learn 

Leah: If you were to think realistically about what you do and don’t know about American History, you’d probably realize (like we did), that high school classes and college courses left a lot to be desired.  

There are gaps that all of us have a responsibility to fill in. I took African-American Studies several times, and still have gaps to fill in around Anti-Blackness and White supremacy. I also want to dig deeper into the history of other races here in America.   

Ask yourself: Is there a possibility that there are critical points in history I wasn’t taught? If so, how might learning them help me be more knowledgeable and impactful in how I choose to embrace this movement?  

Don’t worry. If you’re feeling sheepish about not knowing where to start, this episode will give you a meaningful foundation.  

Explore 

Jackie: It’s important we each explore the role we’ve played in white supremacy culture. One of the questions I loved was something Rosanna Durruthy, LinkedIn’s Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging shared: 

“What would happen if white people honestly reflected and shared a time when you, and your privilege, caused you to think, say or do something racist/biased. Whether it is a micro-aggression or intended act, your honesty could validate the stories of black people, and show you acknowledge your past, but are moving forward in truth.” 

One realization I had is how I’ve rarely had to acknowledge my race and the role it plays in the system.  

But white is a race. So we each need to stop looking at ourselves as unique or outside of it. 

Commit 

If you want to change your habits or conditioning, you must take a first step. When you learn the true history and you explore the role you play today, spend some time reflecting on what a meaningful step might look like for you.  

Jackie: I made a commitment to a book club where we’re reading Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad. It’s a 28-day journey to identify the impact that white privilege and white supremacy has had over my life. 

Leah: I’ve got some unlearning to do in the ways my biases and conditioning have played into white supremacy culture because of life experiences. I also commit to acknowledging race and discussing it bravely whenever it’s important in a conversation.  

And finally, we want to give you, our listeners, permission to be working through this in a messy, imperfect way. Race is a tough and complex experience for us all. And every single one of us has or will make mistakes. Celebrate your attempts, even if you feel like you’re failing. Apologize and move forward with an open heart. Forgive those who clearly mean well, quickly.  

We’re rooting for you!

Share this newsletter with anyone in your community who would benefit. And we’d want to hear from you! Comment to tell us what you’re committed to as a first step OR you can email us at [email protected]  

With All of Our Hearts,

Jackie and Leah  

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