Honouring Black brilliance - from Stephanie Moynagh

To me, being an ally to Black communities means many things. For one I am a strong believer that allyship is not a point you reach but a constant, active effort. As a white woman, for me this means using my white privilege to challenge anti-Black racism as often as I can and taking direction from Black people in my life, as well as from Black writers and thought leaders on what it looks like to have daily practices of dismantling white supremacy and the systems of oppression that are tied into it. It means recognizing the need for your own self-work in continually unlearning racism no matter how aware you might think you are, and finding other white people (so as not to add labour to those most impacted) with similar understandings and commitments to keep each other accountable on how to actually DO this work, rather than just talking about it or staying in your comfort zone. I’m very grateful to the Black friends, colleagues and families at HB who continue to deepen my understanding of what is needed.

Stephanie Moynagh, family support specialist and co-lead, 2SLGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG)