https://drstaceypatton1865.substack.com/p/john-brown-didnt-ask-enslaved-people
A good challenge to those of us who ask how to be an ally or a better ally, or whether allyship is a useful mode…
I’ve been thinking a lot about John Brown recently and a colleague asked just this (how can I be a better ally?) at an event last week. It was a well-meant question but it shows a gulf of understanding. Interestingly the recipient of the question recommended Emma Dabiri’s book, which would probably characterise John Brown as White Saviour.
At another point in the meeting I said that we should be focusing our efforts on training and development for white people “like me” - and a colleague of colour questioned why I included myself in this. After all I was there (and I do the work for sure): but I have to constantly question my motives, actions and awareness, and whether I’m just performing.
And John Brown certainly wasn’t performing.
#Allyship #race #AntiRacism