Maybe you’ve been doing the work to become an anti-racist ally by reading Black literature and researching Australia’s Indigenous history, showing up to nationwide BLM protests, shopping and supporting Black and Aboriginal designers and artists and donating to Indigenous organisations and funds. But being an ally is a long-term commitment, and we all have more work to do beyond our efforts thus far.
We need to keep our foot on the gas to sustain long-term movement and drive change on a federal level. We need to keep educating ourselves and having conversations that matter. We need to continue showing up for Black, Indigenous, People of Colour and marginalised communities — and in as many ways as we can.
Below, we’re outlining a handful of ways you can continue to do just this both now, and in the long term.
Support Black-owned and Indigenous brands
Continue to seek out, follow, engage with, and buy from, all of those brands, designers and artists you may have either been a fan of for a long time or discovered more recently. Create a shopping cart of products you wish to own and continue to prioritise purchasing from these in the future over larger companies.
Donate to Indigenous organisations and funds
Continue to support BLM funds and Indigenous organisations. If you have the means, set aside a dedicated percentage of all paychecks going forward to be donated across various funds. Approach your employer and campaign for a matched giving initiative to double the impact of all employee donation efforts.
Have conversations
Your racist relative? Talk to them. Know that “keeping the peace” at the dinner table is not an excuse for letting racist remarks slide. Being an ally means speaking up for BIPOC and engaging in conversations with friends and family members on the wrong side of history. Come to conversations prepared and suggest resources for them to learn. If you’re a parent, read up on the how to talk to your kids about racism.
Learn more!
The internet has bestowed upon us a plethora of valuable resources to help white allies better understand BIPOC history, systematic racism, and the Black experience. Continue to dedicate the hour of reading time before bed to these texts, and watch those films and series’.
For those who find self-learning to be a challenge, find a way to hold yourself accountable. Start a book club or a movie club with your friends, and make commitments you’ll stick to going forward.
Resources:
Resources So You Can Do ‘The Work’ and Self-Educate on Issues of Race
How to Get Involved With the Indigenous Community in Your Local Area
Read, Listen and Learn: Steps You Can Take to Be An Anti-Racist Ally
Indigenous Australian Films to Watch, Learn and Support
Learn More About Indigenous Australians and Their Culture With These 6 Podcasts
10 Indigenous Organisations and Campaigns You Can Support Through Donations
How to Talk to Your Kids About Racism
Indigenous Australian Artists and Makers to Support and Shop
Indigenous Australian Designers to Shop and Support
Black-Owned Indie Beauty Brands to Support
How to Show Up in the Long-Term for Those Brands You Just Followed
Why We Need to Change the Date of Australia Day
