WTS

WTS-Boston Celebrates Black History Month

For many of us, we have celebrated Black History Month annually in educational, professional, and social settings by learning about the many contributions of African Americans in the United States and honoring Black people globally throughout history. While it is largely a time to learn, remember, and honor, it is also a time for us to critically reflect on whether we have been living our lives as true allies for Black people. Unfortunately, with busy schedules, we often fail to proactively think about how we can meaningfully celebrate this month and fall short in our allyship. The act of allyship is defined as “when a person of privilege works in solidarity and partnership with a marginalized group of people to help take down the systems that challenge that group's basic rights, equal access, and ability to thrive in our society”. While well-meaning, a social media post about MLK in February is not enough.

The WTS-Boston Diversity Committee invites you to hold yourself accountable by taking a critical look on how you have shown up for our Black community as an ally year-round. In addition, we have provided a few tangible actions you can do this February to celebrate Black History Month that goes beyond what you may be used to!

  • Use your privilege to amplify Black voices, initiatives, and businesses.
    • When advocating for the Black community, ensure you are centering them and their well-being and not yourself and your own emotions.
    • Volunteer your time with organizations that support Black lives in your community.
    • Refuse to be a bystander to racial injustice in any setting.
  • Proactively have uncomfortable, difficult conversations with your loved ones.
    • Don’t wait for or assume Black people will want to start these conversations or exert the emotional energy to educate you.
    • A “colorblind” approach to race conversations can downplay the demographic disparities that are very real for the Black community. Instead, call in people in your communities for honest, open conversations on race and equity even when it is uncomfortable.
    • Understand that you and your loved ones are learning, therefore, this will be a process. Do not be discouraged if the first conversation does not lead to the desired end result.
  • Put your money where your mouth is.
    • Hire Black speakers for your next event, workshop, or panel to talk about all subjects (not just race and other topics surrounding their Black identity and experience).
    • In academic and professional settings, critically assess what you and your institution is doing to nurture growth, advocate, and ensure retention for its Black members.
    • Donate to organizations that directly benefit Black lives and opt to buy at Black small businesses on a reoccurring basis.

These are just a few ways you can go beyond what you may usually do for Black History Month. Continue educating yourself and honoring Black lives, but also consider what other meaningful ways you can show your support and solidarity. While you may have made strides in your allyship, recognize there is always room to grow!

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