How to Ally This Week

This week in America, another Black man was murdered at the hands of police in the Minneapolis suburbs yesterday. Daunte Wright was killed by cops while he was at a traffic stop.

To Black Americans who had to go to work today, my heart is with you. On top of this, you're witnessing and rehashing the trial of George Floyd over and over again on the television. I'm just so sorry.

To white allies, and particularly white leaders, I have one recommendation for this week. I keep hearing from my Black and brown clients who feel like they're the only ones suffering from confidence issues when speaking up at work. White colleagues are leading with so much (presumed) confidence, but I know that that's a facade.

I know because way too many of you are working with me right now.

If you are facilitating a professional space this week, try to lead with vulnerability. Don't act like everything is okay. Don't have all the answers, and instead, create space for other voices. Share the conversational responsibility and give people options for how to engage (including the choice to not engage at all if it is triggering).

I know that there's a lot of self-doubt about saying the right thing. I don't have the answers, but I promise to listen and create space for those who should be heard right now. This week, make it okay to not be perfect. Be vigilant against white exceptionalism, which is one of the tenants of white supremacy.

Give it space. Speak it out. Do not let it go unspoken.