How To Make Space As A Non-Black Person In The Midst Of Black Lives Matter | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Community

How To Make Space As A Non-Black Person In The Midst Of Black Lives Matter

Black lives matter.

11
How To Make Space As A Non-Black Person In The Midst Of Black Lives Matter

I'll admit, it has been a real struggle the last few weeks to create content. I was unsure about my place and I did not want to take space that was not mine. All over social media, and to be quite frank, all over the world, people are taking the streets and demanding justice for black lives and standing against black disembodiment. This isn't new; the Black Lives Matter Movement has been around since 2013, but the disembodiment of black bodies has been going on since the 1600s. I am not an expert, I am not qualified in any way to speak about the movement. I understand that I benefit from immense privilege to type from behind a screen and share my opinions. My purpose is to use my platform and my privilege for good. I have an audience, but I want everyone to understand that THIS IS NOT MY SPACE. This is not my experience. This is not about me.

And, it shouldn't be. This is about black people. I'm wary of the people that go online and preach about activism and solidarity while failing to reflect upon their own lives. And I'll admit I was quick to draft articles and put together resources from things I've seen, but I was failing to reflect within myself. I haven't posted because I've been reflecting. Again, I was, and still am wary of taking up space that is not mine. Performative activism is so harmful.

I've been hearing a lot about how Black Lives Matter is a "political issue." Now, I love politics, I'm majoring in political science, everything about politics is exciting to me. It's the balance of power and deciding who gets to make what decisions, when, and how. It's so fascinating to me and something I hope to spend the rest of my life studying. But, I'm appalled at the people who think that politics is just who you vote for. No, it's a representation of the core values and beliefs that shape every fiber of your being. That influences your personality, your friend choices, what businesses you support, and yes, it is about who you vote for. But, if your politics stop after a well-designed Instagram Story or a black picture on your feed, I urge you to take a look at yourselves and examine what your core values are. Black Lives Matter is not political in a typical sense. It's a complete social revolution that has gained traction (rightfully so.) So, it's trendy now to support Black Lives Matter, but please, when your feed starts turning back to "normal", remember that the fight is not over.

I will be sharing my reflections on my own life and the privilege I've gained because of anti-blackness in America, and what steps I'm taking to stand in solidarity with the movement. This isn't for praise nor is it for attention. This is not my experience; I will never know what it is like to be black in America.

What I do know is this, I directly benefit from the privilege of NOT being black in America. And that's wrong. It's disgusting. Deplorable.

And I will hopefully use my privilege for good. A series of articles about standing in solidarity with BLM whilst ensuring that the erasure of black voices does not happen is coming out. Thank you for reading. And please remember that I'm human, I make mistakes and I still have so much to learn. If you have anything you can share with me to help me do just that, please email me at alleyah.ally@gmail.com. Thank you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181581
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8446
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453349
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23825
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments