Beyond the Unrest in the UK: Everyday Allyship
obijames
Yesterday was a difficult day for many of us. As a black woman and a mother, I shared my deep concern for my children amid the unrest that unfolded in the UK.
Today, I want to share what happened next: allyship and love emerged as the true victors. What we witnessed yesterday was not just a riot; it was a raw and painful reminder of the discrimination and challenges that many of us face daily.
The anxiety, trauma, and stress that your muslim, global majority and diverse colleagues endure are often unseen and unspoken, yet they are ever-present.
In the aftermath, I saw incredible acts of allyship. Friends, colleagues, and strangers came together, offering support, standing up against hate, and amplifying voices that often go unheard.
This outpouring of love and solidarity was not just a reaction to a moment of crisis; it was a demonstration of the power we have when we unite against injustice.
But we must remember: allyship cannot be a one-time act. It must be an everyday commitment from colleagues and leaders alike.
When we facilitate safe space conversations across organisations, my team and I uncover the harsh realities of everyday discrimination that people endure.
The racists who were rioting yesterday haven’t vanished. They are still among us—in our neighborhoods, on our roads, in our schools, and yes, in our workplaces. Their actions may be less overt, but they are no less harmful.
So, let us not wait for riots to act.
We must continually ask questions, create safe spaces, check in on our colleagues, and offer consistent allyship. We need to drown out racism with acts of service, kindness, and unwavering support. Stand up for and walk alongside your diverse colleagues every single day.
The UK that responded to yesterday’s riots with unity and love is the UK I am proud to call home. It is the UK I will be showcasing to my children in the coming weeks to ease the stress of what happened. Let’s commit to making this spirit of allyship and inclusion a permanent fixture in our homes, schools, society and workplaces.
