Non-Black Readers: are you a true ally?

Last week reports of another Black teen who was unjustly shot by a White man in Kansas City, Missouri, were shared worldwide. 16-year-old Ralph Yarl was shot by Andrew Lester, who fired two shots through the glass window of his front door, hitting Yarl in the head and the arm. Yarl, who was responsible for picking up his younger siblings, accidentally went to the wrong house.

It is unfair Ralph had to receive the reaction he got by simply showing up at the wrong address. There is no excusable reason for him to have received the greeting he did, yet there is still an effort to protect the person who unjustly fired his gun.

Although he is expected to live to tell his story, it was still a very unfortunate incident that did not have to happen. Our true reality is that some people in our country still harbor great hatred and prejudice toward people of color.

Some, however, want things to change and our country to become a place where racism and racial bias doesn't continue to curse our nation. When situations like this happen, I sometimes get calls from a few of my non-Black friends. They express their feelings and allow space for me to share mine. We often have hard, uncomfortable conversations, but I am thankful for people who make space to open their hearts to hear my voice.

Empathy matters, but advocacy is the action that can lead to a change in mentality and outcome.

I encourage Monroe Dispatch non-Black readers, area leaders, and community members to act and become allies. Take action - use your time, talents, and resources to support causes and organizations that align with your values and goals for advocating for others. Be an ally - work to build relationships with individuals and communities who are different from you, and use your privilege and influence to amplify their voices and support their efforts towards equality and justice.