On Becoming a Better Ally to Our Black Friends 

The Werk aims to highlight the paradigm shift in how we perceive, approach, and relate to work, but we have yet to explicitly acknowledge that this desired paradigm shift is most needed by Black lives. 

In order to move towards a better future, we must be honest about where we are: complicit to the systems of power and oppression that disproportionately affect BIPOC in matters of life or death. 

It’s our duty to use our words, actions, and means to truly be part of this shift. We are committed to being actively accountable in our anti-racism work – and there is a lot of work to do. 

You can help by donating to community-led organizations taking action to demand change. Education is also an essential tool to understanding White privilege, Black history, and systems of oppression – to be a better ally, you have to understand what you are fighting against. Links to where you can donate, get involved, plus resources to read, watch, and listen below. 

This is no longer business as usual – now is the time for collective action as we move towards a paradigm where, unconditionally, Black lives matter. 

Donate: 

NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund

America’s premier legal organization for fighting racial justice. 

Black Visions Collective

An organization dedicated to Black liberation through the development of strategic campaigns. 

Reclaim the Block

A Minneapolis-based organization that mobilizes city council members to move money from the police department into areas that truly promote community health and safety. 

The Marsha P. Johnson Institute 

An organization that protects and defends the rights of Black transgender people. 

Justice for Regis Korchinski Paquet

The GoFundMe page for Regis Korchinski Paquet. 

Get involved: 

Justice for Breonna Taylor

Run with Maud

#WeCantBreathe

Read:

Racism 101: Understanding Race and Racism

The Case for Reparations

Welcome to the Anti-Racist Movement Here’s What you Missed

Anti-Racist Checklist for Whites

White Fragility and the Rules of Engagement

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh

Being an Ally isn’t about Me 

Converting Hidden Spiritual Racism into Sacred Activism

Listen: 

Author Reni Eddo-Lodge on Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race 

Say Your Mind

Good Ancestor

This Is Spoke

Watch: 

Trevor Noah on the battle against racism 

Revolution Now by Rachel Cargle 

The Werk reading: 

In order that they appear, these pieces were originally published in December 2019 and March 2020 respectively. In light of the Black Lives Matter movement’s recent events, we have republished them in order to put relevant content and BIPOC voices at the forefront of the site. We acknowledge the discrepancy between the initial publish dates and now, and the uncomfortable truth that this sheds light on. When it comes to hiring Black writers and giving a platform to Black stories, we need to do better. We vow do better. This starts with listening. If you’d like to share your knowledge, guidance or opinions about how we can more responsibly use The Werk as a platform for good in support of BIPOC writers and content, or if you’re interested in contributing to the site, please email us at write@thewerk.co.

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