During a time of such divide, learn how you can play a role in the fight against racism.

In two sessions this October, WCSU Counseling Services hosted a special program: Support For Being An Ally And More. The event was held virtually through Webex and was open to all WCSU students. Dr. Rée LeBlanc Gunter, Director of Counseling Services, and Kelly Copeland, Assistant Counselor, co-hosted the event.

The discussion on becoming a strong ally began with an exercise where attendants were to reflect on their own experiences. This exercise consisted of three parts: 1) Identify one way White privilege has helped you in your life, 2) Now using this scenario, how do you know that White privilege gave you the advantage? and 3)  How does it feel to know you have this privilege? This three step exercise is not only valuable, but eye opening. Take a moment and reflect on these yourself. Have you benefited from white privilege?

Three key terms were defined during the event: white guilt, white fragility, and white savior.

Three key terms were defined during the event: white guilt, white fragility, and white savior. These terms are necessary to be understood in order to successfully stand in allegiance.

First: “white guilt.” White guilt was explained to be the guilt that is experienced by White people while they recognize the negative ways in which racism affects people of color both presently and throughout history. Second: “white fragility.” The event taught that white fragility is described to be the “defensive emotions” that White people experience when they are challenged over racial matters. These emotions can include anger, guilt, and fear. Lastly: “white savior.” It was explained that a white savior is a White person who believes that they know more about what is best for a marginalized community than the community itself knows.

For those unsure where to start, Counseling Services provided two mnemonic devices during the event to guide new allies for racial justice. The first mnemonic device, originally posted on St. Louis organizer Kayla Reed’s Twitter, is “ALLY”:

A: Always center on the impact.

L: Listen and learn from the oppressed.

L: Leverage your privilege.

Y: Yield the floor.

The second mnemonic device is “SPARK”:

S: Show up for racial justice.

P: Pause. Reflect on your intentions. Listen with fearlessness and intentionality.

A: Ask before assuming. Show curiosity rather than certainty about other people’s experiences.

R: Respect and seek out multiple perspectives.

K: Kindly expect tension and be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

The event concluded with a final activity: identify three things you will do within the next month to support racial justice work. You can find future programming with the Counseling Center at wcsu.edu/counseling.

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