What is a Strong White Ally?

A friend spoke with me Tuesday night about hardships she encountered this fall at her new school. After sharing one particular experience she had with some of her colleagues we both agreed that a few strong White allies she could have called on would have made a difference.

What exactly is a White ally and why do Educators of Color working in predominantly White institutions need them to be STRONG? I have read or heard definitions of an ally from people like Paul Kivel, Beverly D. Tatum, Tim Wise, and Kevin Jennings.  I find the work of the Reverend Andrea Ayvazian, ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ and anti-racism educator since 1985, answers this question.

An ally is a member of a dominant group in our society who works to dismantle any form of oppression from which she or he receives the benefit. Allied behavior means taking personal responsibility for the changes we know are needed in our society, and so often ignore or leave to others to deal with. Allied behavior is intentional, overt, consistent activity that challenges prevailing patterns of oppression, makes privileges that are so often invisible visible, and facilitates the empowerment of persons targeted by oppression.

The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian

Interrupting the Cycle of Oppression: The Role of Allies as Agents of Change

From Fellowship, JanuaryFebruary 1995, pp, 710

I have the privilege of being in the company of strong White allies at my school and in the various local independent school associations I participate in or co-chair. These individuals have spoken to other White people, sometimes on my behalf, but often to address the institutional racism of which they and their White peers are victims. They have never been told they were too sensitive or don’t have a sense of humor. Their actions and words leave an impression on their White colleagues, students and parents while also supporting students, parents and colleagues of color.

The journey to becoming a strong White ally, I have been told by my White friends, is challenging. Yet the rewards, both personally and for the good of our institutions, often outweighs the hard work. I encourage you to make the most of the positive work that comes out of affinity groups. If you are not satisfied with the direction of the conversation then use the power of your voice to alter the course of the dialogue.

Thank you to my White colleagues at LREI and to the White participants who are with me in Denver. My work is aided by your strength.

• Paul Kivel – Uprooting Racism: How White People can Work for Racial Justice
• Beverly D. Tatum – Why are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria and Can We Talk About Race?
• Tim Wise – White Like Me and Between Barack and a Hard Place
• Kevin Jennings –Telling Tales Out of School: Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals Revisit Their School Days and Mama’s Boy, Preacher’s Son