How to be an Ally in College

I want to begin this post with an acknowledgement. An acknowledgement of my white privilege, and of the fact that I will never truly understand. However, I can educate myself, I can grow and I can use my voice to advocate for others. The first time I really had an in-depth, honest conversation about racial inequality and injustice was in college. I grew up in an area that was pretty liberal and diverse, and while I was certainly aware that racism existed, I was unaware of the fact that it existed all around me in ways I simply hadn't opened my eyes to. Once I got to college, the dialogue started to shift. I had professors that forced me to have hard, uncomfortable conversations. They were tough but necessary, and I honestly think that in 60 years, when I think about my college experience, that is what I will remember. But I wish I did more. I wish that these conversations were a part of my life earlier on, and I wish that I had taken the initiative to educate myself more and be more of an advocate. It is not enough to condemn racism, we have to actively be anti-racist. So, with that in mind, I sat down with my friend Neisha and we came up with a list of ways that we can all be an ally in college:

1. Take meaningful courses. I know this is broad, and I know not everyone has a major that requires them to take classes that might include some of these conversations. So take the initiative. Find a general education class that deals with racism today or the history of race relations, or even the history of other cultures, because that can easily become a broader conversation. Look for classes that you know will incite meaningful, difficult, uncomfortable-- but necessary discussions. (See #4 for more options.) 

2. Ask your teachers If you really and truly cannot find a class that will start these conversations, or even if you do and you want more, ask your teachers. Be an advocate amongst your peers, because these talks need to happen. We need to recognize our white privilege and how it affects others. It's completely valid to have questions about racism - asking them will help you work through them. It is truly a blessing to have a teacher who will take the initiative to bring these discussions to their students. If your teacher isn't doing this, step up. Be proactive. 

3. Join groups/clubs/organizations that foster diversity of members and voices Actively seek out places where you can immerse yourself in a diverse group of people. The excuse that your school has insular circles, or that your community is inherently mostly white doesn't isn’t an excuse. Look up the opportunities on your campus and find the ones that celebrate diversity. If that's not happening-- advocate! Advocate for your black peers' voices to be amplified. 

4. Go to panels and discussion groups. There are soooooo many of these on college campuses. Neisha and I agreed that they often aren't marketed too well to students, so if you happen to be involved with one, please spread the word to your peers. Otherwise, actively seek them out. Neisha also pointed out that you can look to your local community college, not only for more panels and discussions, but also as a source for cheaper classes. Additionally, you can suggest these panels to your teacher as resources that the entire class can attend. 

5. Protest and start conversations Neisha had a really good point that I think everyone should consider: when you are protesting, and when you are partaking in conversations about race, when you are educating yourself and those around you, remember that you are doing so as an ally to people of color. Their job is not to educate you. That job belongs to you. 

I wish I had another year of college because it is such an amazing experience with so many resources. It's easy to forget how much your school has to offer - I am guilty of taking this for granted. I wish I would have asked more questions in class or utilized more of the resources that were at the tips of my fingers. Luckily, this is a life-long learning curve, and there are always opportunities and ways that we can grow and enrich our minds. As white allies, we have to use the resources and the privileges that we have been given to learn and to make a change. I have added a highlight to my Instagram story with educational resources that I am continually updating as I consume them. Click here!