The widespread protests at the killing of George Floyd by a White policeman in the early summer of 2020 have cast the glare of attention on racism across the world. Racism is not just acts of violence or hate against Black people or other minority ethnic groups. The statistics on health, education, employment, and income show that racial inequality permeates Britain – and the College.
While those of us at Imperial who are White might readily abhor overt acts of racism, it is not something we are likely to have experienced directly. That lack of experience can make it difficult to properly understand racism or to be fully supportive of those who endure its impacts – large and small – every day. For example, the day to day experiences of Black colleagues frequently involve micro-aggressions (e.g. questions like 'Where are you really from?'). These are less obvious and often unintentional, but have the cumulative effect of creating an environment which is more challenging and draining.
But we can help by being White allies. The suggestions below can help us to understand what it means to be a White ally and give examples of positive actions that we can take to combat racism; in its explicit or subtle forms. They are drawn from many different sources. Although they focus on ways to support our Black colleagues and students, equally they can help us to support all minority ethnic groups within the Imperial community. Allyship is part of understanding and celebrating the fact that people are different, and of course the suggestions below are open to all.
Professor Stephen Curry, Assistant Provost (EDI), Susan Littleson, Deputy Director (Organisational Development and Inclusion), and Kani Kamara, Head of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre (EDIC). Page created June 2020, last updated August 2021.
What you should do as a White ally
Listen
Listen to what Black people are saying. Check in on your Black friends, family and colleagues and ask what you can do to support them.
Remember to acknowledge that there is a lot of hurt and pain. Do not be offended if you are trying to engage and someone is not automatically receptive. You should centre the conversation on their needs, rather than make a performance out of your allyship.
If you are on social media, follow the accounts of Black activists. A good place to start is the @ukblm Twitter account, a coalition of UK Black Lives Matter activists.
Educate yourself
Do your own research and do not ask or expect Black people to educate you. Read books, especially nonfiction books, by Black authors. Buy them from independent bookshops or borrow them from your library.
There is a multitude of resources online, for example this Anti-Racist Resource Guide. You can also take advantage of Imperial's LinkedIn Learning subscription to engage with courses on allyship and anti-racism.
We have more suggestions and links further down this page.
Boost the voices of Black people
On social media, share threads/posts with donation links and resources and ways to support.
If you come across images or videos of violence against Black people, avoid sharing these as they are traumatising for many and contribute to the further dehumanisation of Black people.
Acknowledge your privilege
Understand that you have White privilege and think about how you can use this privilege to make change and educate others in your community.
This may not be an easy topic but start by educating yourself and reading on the topic.
Speak up and challenge racism
If you hear people make racist comments, call them out. It's important to be proactively anti-racist.
Imperial offers a general Active Bystander training workshop, to empower staff to challenge poor behaviours and bring about cultural change.
Keep the conversation going with other White people
If you have friends or family who take a different stance on these issues, now is the time to have a hard conversation with them and ask them to rethink their views.
Now is also the time to have conversations with other like-minded allies. Talk about how you can do better and discuss what you can do to help and pool your efforts.
Take action and donate
You may not be able to attend a protest due to COVID-19, but you can do other things. For example, contact your MP to ask them about what they are doing to combat racism.
Aside from donating to support the Black Lives Matter cause in the US, you can also make donations to causes closer to home. Or find and support local Black-owned businesses and charities (some suggestions are listed below).
Learn more from these videos
5 tips for being an ally
A quick introduction to being an ally
In this short video, comedian and activisit Franchesca Ramsey, also known as Chescaleigh, gives her five tips for being a good ally.
What is privilege?
Learn how privilege can affect people in different ways
This video demonstrates a 'privilege walk' - an activity designed to help people better understand the effects of privileges.
Talking about race with white people
A brief but spectacular take on talking about race
Author and journalist Renni Eddo-Lodge explains what happens when she tries to talk about race with White people.
Deconstructing White privilege
Understand more about White privilege and what it means
Academic and author Dr Robin DiAngelo deconstructs White privilege and discusses 'White fragility'.
White saviour vs ally
Learn about the difference between a White saviour and a White ally
Actress and comedian Amanda Seales explains the differences between a White saviour and a White ally.
Further resources and links for you to explore
UK charities
- Runnymede, a race equality think-tank
- Race on the Agenda, a social policy think-tank
- Blueprint for All works with young people and communities
- Operation Black Vote tackles the Black democratic deficit
- StopWatch UK works to ensure fair and accountable policing
- United Families & Friends Campaign against police custody deaths
Articles
- White privilege: unpacking the invisible knapsack
- Guidelines for being strong White allies
- White people, here's how we can be better allies and anti-racist
- Why you should stop saying "all lives matter"
- Racial microaggressions in science
- Universities can and should do more to address systemic racism
- What have we done? How not to be complicit in racism
- White academia: Do better
- White people must commit to antiracist action for the long term
- How COVID-19 is laying bare structural racism and what we can do
- Racism in academia, and why the ‘little things’ matter
Books
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni-Eddo Lodge
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsch
The Good Immigrant edited by Nikesh Shukla
How to Argue with a Racist by Adam Rutherford
Superior: The Return of Race Science by Angela Saini
Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
Discover more through Imperial As One's reading list (Imperial login required)
You Make Imperial
Everything that makes you, you, also helps make Imperial.
Update your personal details on ICIS to help Imperial tailor its equality, diversity and inclusion activities and initiatives more effectively.