Anti-Racist Ally: An Introduction to Activism and Action

by Sophie Williams

Overview

Join the fight for racially marginalized people with this pocket-sized guide filled with practical insights from one of the leading voices of the movement for equality and founder of the @officialmillennialblack Instagram.

As the tragic murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement has demonstrated, not being racist is not enough. To fulfill the American ideal, to ensure that all people are equal, you must be actively anti-racist. 

In this essential guide, Sophie Williams, goes beyond her popular Instagram @officialmillennialblack, providing sharp, simple, and insightful steps anyone can take to be a better ally in the fight against racism. While the book’s focus is on race, it also touches on  sexism, classism, ableism, oppression, and white supremacy. 

Written in her iconic Instagram style, this pocket-sized guide is a crucial starting point for every anti-racist ally, covering complex topics at the heart of anti-racist principles. Whether you are just finding your voice, have made a start but aren’t sure what to do next, or want a fresh viewpoint, Anti-Racist Ally introduces and explains the language of change and shows you how to challenge the system, beginning with yourself. Sophie reminds you that this is a learning process, which means facing difficult truths, becoming uncomfortable, and working through the embarrassment and discomfort. 

The fight for justice isn’t easy there aren’t any shortcuts or quick wins. But together, anti-racist allies can use their power to truly change the world and lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063081352
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	02/16/2021
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	628,540
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Sophie Williams is a leading anti-racism advocate and activist. She is a regular panelist, speaker, consultant, and workshop facilitator with a focus on anti-racism, and Diversity and Inclusion. Her writing has appeared in publications such as the Guardian, Bustle, and Cosmopolitan. Before beginning writing, Sophie had a career in advertising, particularly in social agencies, where she has held the position of COO. In 2019 Sophie left traditional agencies in order to create her own business, working with clients such as Netflix on projects combining her professional advertising experience with active anti-racism work. She lives in London.

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

Discussion of terms 8

Not being racist is not enough 10

Become an anti-racist ally 24

Let's talk about intersectionality 44

What does racism look like now? 54

Allyship anxieties 76

Start with yourself 96

Become an ally in your social circle 110

Become an ally in your workplace 122

Become an ally at home and in your communities 134

Become an economic ally 148

Keep up the momentum 158

Further reading 174

Endnotes 176

Editorial Reviews

11/30/2020

Anti-racism activist Williams expands on her @officialmillennialblack Instagram account in this well-meaning but superficial guide on how white people can become active allies to marginalized groups. Williams walks readers through concepts such as intersectionality and structural racism, debunks misconceptions (“I can’t be racist. My wife/husband/boss/best friend/dentist is Black”), and advises readers to support Black-owned businesses and donate to charities that provide “direct assistance” to those in need. Her suggestions for overcoming guilt about past beliefs and behaviors include “look for ways to make reparations without centring your transformation in the process” and “us the knowledge that you have been capable of change to push for even greater development in yourself and those around you.” Unfortunately, Williams offers no examples of individuals doing the work she calls for. Admonitions such as “before you post a picture or even act, take a moment to consider: would you still be doing this if no one saw it?” are fairly banal, and the absence of guidance on how to find and support anti-racist organizations is a glaring omission. This falls short. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

★ 2020-11-24
“Not being racist is not enough.” The founder of @officialmillennialblack on Instagram delivers a simple guide for those “who wish to join the fight against racism.”

Early on, Williams, an experienced social justice activist, describes her process: “I began writing this book in the wake of the series of tragic murders that shocked the world in 2020 and galvanized many who had never considered their role in anti-racism to take action in their own lives.” In this “deliberately small book,” Williams aims to assist those who want to become more active by outlining how to be an effective anti-racist ally. The author lays out a series of focus areas for would-be allies, all of which are meant to “challenge the things we’ve been taught based on white supremacy, and to seek better and fairer ways moving forward.” Williams begins with definitions and first steps, including “Becoming an Anti-Racist Ally” or “What Does Racism Look Like Now?” She addresses common questions and concerns about terminology, misconceptions, and intersectionality. After the introductory concepts, the author moves on to proactive elements—e.g. how to be an ally in your social circle, workplace, and community. Throughout, she uses a conversational tone to explain the reasons behind each of her suggestions, such as examining the diversity of the communities you are a part of, and then suggests simple ways in which to talk with the leadership of those groups about the vitality of anti-racism. Williams is clear that the “allyship journey” is rarely easy or quick, which makes it that much more important to implement sturdy support structures, make space for messy feelings, and celebrate small victories. Williams also provides two helpful lists for further reading, one for adults (White Fragility, Between the World and Me, How To Be an Antiracist) and one for younger readers.

Essential reading for our times, with the goal of true human equality. (Includes Further Reading list and endnotes)

Kirkus Reviews