“In order for true diversity to flourish, we need to first become unswervingly anti-racist. That means doing more than watching a few documentaries or reading some books. Consciously ‘unlearning’ racism is the crucial first step.” –Nova Reid
Black history is world history, and one month out of the year is simply not enough. Black History Month has been a nationally recognized observance for nearly sixty years. It serves as a time to spotlight African American history and achievements. However, trying to encapsulate an entire culture’s history and contributions into just twenty-eight or twenty-nine days is insufficient.
Active Allyship
Being an active ally is not limited to February—it is a lifelong commitment. Black History Month reminds us that leveraging our privilege in different ways day to day is the least we can do to help amplify their voices. As individuals born into privilege, we have an inherent responsibility to use our voices and actions to support those who face systemic oppression. At a minimum, we should be intentional about the books we buy for our children, teaching them the importance of having diverse friendships, and encouraging them to stand up when they see injustice.
Change comes when we support each other. The Freedom Riders of the 1960s needed support. Dr. Martin Luther Kind Jr. needed support at the March on Washington. Being an ally is marching alongside Dr. King. It’s participating in riding interstate buses in the South in mixed racial groups. It’s letting everyone know that certain things are not okay.
Every day, I strive to be an active ally to all people of color. I seek a deeper understanding of their struggles while also celebrating the achievements of lesser-known African American inventors, world leaders, educators, civil servants, actors, and scientists. February provides a unique opportunity to focus on this history because the information is more readily accessible and displayed prominently in libraries, corporations, and media. The significance of cultural heritage month celebrations in the United States lies in the fact that public schools often fail to teach the real, accurate, and rich history of marginalized communities.
Actively Anti-Racist
True allyship requires actively challenging racism and discrimination in our daily lives. This can mean, but is not limited to, calling out microaggressions in the workplace, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring that Black and Brown voices are heard in decision-making spaces. It is not enough to be non-racist; we must be actively anti-racist. We can show anti-racism by using our privilege to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality.
Being an ally is about listening, learning, and showing up—even when it is uncomfortable. True allyship is not about recognition or personal validation; it is about doing the work because it is necessary, not because you expect gratitude or acknowledgment. It should be a loud secret—an unwavering, consistent effort that does not require an audience. Being an ally means standing up even when no one is watching. It can be as simple as amplifying marginalized voices without centering yourself, and continuously educating yourself without demanding credit. If your allyship requires applause, then it is not truly an allyship.
Personal Reflections
This year, I had the privilege of visiting the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. We were able to walk through the Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Though we all knew the story, being in the place where it happened, surrounded by friends and colleagues with whom I could process the moment, made a profound impact.
We had an incredible tour guide provided by the museum. Learning that the bus boycotts in Alabama lasted over a year, that the Black Panthers created a breakfast program for young Black children in need, and that John F. Kennedy Jr. publicly condemned the attack on the Freedom Riders when their bus was firebombed, deepened my understanding and reinforced my commitment to activism.
This year, I call upon all my fellow active allies and anti-racists to commit to continuous learning. Start with asking questions, and prioritize responding rather than reacting. We must not speak for people of color but stand with them. Most importantly, we must recognize that there is no expiration date on being an anti-racist. We do not educate ourselves and advocate for justice only during Black History Month—we do so every day, instilling these key values in our children and communities. The fight for equity is ongoing, and true allyship requires persistent effort, humility, and a willingness to listen and grow.
