How to be an Effective Ally: Using White Privilege Against Racism

How to be an Effective Ally: Using White Privilege Against Racism
May 22, Elisabeth Sheff
• Whiteness is the race that passes as no race at all, and in this presentation Dr. Elisabeth Sheff (Director of Legal Services, Sheff Consulting Group) explores some of the ways in which white people can be allies for people of color in a struggle against racism. This presentation begins by explaining white privilege using Peggy McIntosh’s idea of the “invisible knapsack” of privilege that white people carry around with them as they move through life. Then it identifies some common mistakes well-meaning white people make when interacting with people of color, and identifies more effective strategies that can turn white privilege against itself. The presentation closes with a discussion of the strategies white people can use to combat white privilege, and a question/answer/discussion session.