COVID-19 may not discriminate, but systemic inequalities have exacerbated its disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. Amid the already growing fear and uncertainty around the pandemic, last week again brought attention to something perhaps more pervasive: the long-standing racism and injustices faced by Black and Brown people on a daily basis.
The recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and George Floyd, and the victimization of Christian Cooper have left many of us angry, and with a deep sense of grief. But that grief doesn’t compare to what Black people face every day. #SayTheirNames
Now is a time to take care –– and take action. Now is a time for #Allyship.
At Twitter, our principles of allyship are simple: Learn, Ask, Show up, and Speak up.
Learn.
Ask
Note: When someone’s sharing their experience with you, it’s enough to simply say, “I hear you.” Don’t feel like you need to respond, or provide your own story. Instead, center them and what they’re sharing with you.
Show up
Speak up
Allyship is not about who you are, but what you do consistently and authentically. Do the work. Everyone is dealing with a lot these days, but be especially mindful of Black and Brown communities who regularly face threats to their wellbeing, violence, and hate because of their identity.
There is no better time to stand up for what’s right. #UntilWeAllBelong #BlackLivesMatter