Effective Allyship -

As the weather gets warmer and we step into summer, I’ve noticed a change in my spirit. A lightness.

It also has something to do with lifted COVID restrictions. And, as if on cue with the weather, I have noticed that I’m slipping back into former COVID habits – like not washing my hands right away when I come inside.

Two Black girls walking hand in hand Image credit: Cherylholt on Pixabay.com

Snapping Back

This is how easy it is for us to snap back to old ways of being. How easy it is to forget the urgency of something, and the importance of what we have learned during that time.

This is how easy it is to forget things that don’t impact us, to “snap back”.

I’m sure that people who have been personally touched by COVID are not snapping back in this way. There are many lessons we have learned about connection, community, (and hygiene) that I had hoped would carry us forward in new ways. I’m still hopeful…

In the same way, I am heartened by the heightened global awareness about anti-Black racism. I have had many deeper conversations in the last two months that suggests people are leaning in, and willing to do the work. I’m hopeful for meaningful change.
And, I know how easy it will be for individuals who are not Black to snap back. If we are not vigilant.

Effective Allyship

Effective allyship means continuing our learning, remaining vigilant and stepping into action.
Keeping the conversations going and keeping the issues on the radar is an important part of ally work.

There is no room for “snapping back” – especially in this crucial time.

There are ever growing lists of resources to help raise awareness about anti-Black racism.

Here are a few resources I have found that are Canadian: