After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, black squares flooded social media. They were intended to convey solidarity or allyship. In a similar gesture, “I can’t breathe,” Floyd’s final words, showed up on placards and t-shirts worn by protesters and “Black Lives Matter” signs began appearing on lawns.  

But what do such gestures actually do? Can solidarity be expressed in a square? Does wearing a t-shirt demonstrate an understanding of the impact of racial violence? What does a lawn sign actually say about a household’s commitment to antiracism?  

Might such actions underscore the offense that is performative allyship; that is, allyship that amounts to nothing more than trying to communicate the right thing. 

Allyship is not about having a scripted apology in the wake of biased or racist behavior. Rather it is a philosophy, one that is agile, active, and ongoing, a practice that requires commitment, engagement, rigor—and creativity.  

It’s not an identity; it’s a process. 

Allyship is about understanding your ‘why,’ as in, why are you choosing allyship as a lifelong practice? If an action is performative—a thing done because it’s trendy or for appearances sake—it isn’t allyship. Similarly, wearing or displaying a sign of commitment to equity and inclusion for minoritized groups isn’t sufficient.  

The work begins on the inside, by interrogating our beliefs and thoughts with the goal of making significant, meaningful change. It’s kind of a knowing-being-and-then-doing experience. 

Allyship is a process that requires not only knowledge acquisition, but purposeful action. It is a process of building and nurturing supportive relationships, specifically with underrepresented, marginalized, or discriminated individuals or groups with this goal and aim of advancing inclusion. It’s purposeful relationship-building. 

In a me-first culture, you might say the path to allyship begins with having a little humility. It’s not about fixing others or trying to solve issues or problems, but amplifying others so that their voices can be heard. It’s about making space and knowing the space that you hold. 

So, how do we get there?  

Allyship as an ongoing practice 

Begin with the intention to build an understanding of allyship. You’re not going to become an ally after reading one book or attending a single workshop. Allyship is a practice that takes time, commitment, anddiscomfort. 

In practicing allyship, you’re practicing empathy. You’re actually genuinely trying to feel with another person or the group that you want to practice allyship with. You’re willing to sit with discomfort knowing what you don’t know and being okay with it—and being okay with being called out or knowing that you might need to change some things in you, about how you think or act. You’re taking real action and educating yourself. 

You’re taking time to examine your privilege, and how you might use it to help others. And with that, you’re taking risks and holding yourself and others accountable. 

For more information about allyship, download Performative versus Authentic Allyship.  In addition, consider attending an Office of Diversity and Inclusion workshop.  We offer  diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility professional development sessions throughout the academic year and summer.  

Christina Papaleo is the DEIA learning and development specialist in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.