While we don’t expect for all white people to become allies during this time and beyond, it is important for our non-Black allies of color to stand with us in solidarity.
Many people like to use the term “people of color” as some cookie cutter designation that lumps us with the other diverse ethnic groups in the world, but that’s actually counterproductive.
That phrase erases our Blackness and assumes that our experiences are comparable to other marginalized groups, when it is not.
It even allows other people of color to benefit from their proximity to whiteness, be it skin color or socioeconomic status, and perpetuate the same racist behavior and ideologies that white supremacy upholds.
Earlier this year, Rihanna movingly encouraged other races of people to “pull up” alongside us when they see us advocating for basic human rights.
