It’s not just fundraising and capacity building, but also #EvaluationSoWhite, #PhilanthropySoWhite, #GovernanceSoWhite, #HiringPracticesSoWhite, #CommunicationsSoWhite, etc. We need BIPOC folks to share their experiences and push to change these narratives.

However, many brilliant BIPOC folks are still really hesitant to contribute content and get their voices out there. This has been going on for as long as I can remember. Let’s examine this, because the perspectives of folks who are most affected by injustice are vital to our sector. This post is meant as encouragement and advice for BIPOC content creators, but I want white allies to pay attention to this issue, as you have a lot of gatekeeping power in this area.

Writers from a minority, write as if you are the majority. Do not explain. Do not cater. Do not translate. Do not apologize. Assume everyone knows what you are talking about, as the majority does. Write with all the privileges of the majority, but with the humility of a minority.

I love this above quote by Pulitzer-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen, who wrote “The Sympathizer.” It has stuck with me, and I aspire to follow it whenever possible. However, it is complex, as we are dealing with issues of inequity and injustice. I wish it were as simple as BIPOC folks just having more confidence. Here are other issues we must contend with:

  • Imposter syndrome
  • Having to represent our communities
  • Code-switching is exhausting
  • Dealing with white professional standards
  • Fear of retribution
  • Time and other resources
  • Family and cultural barriers

These, and other barriers, explain why it can be challenging for folks to write a blog post, book, create a podcast, contribute an article to a trade journal, make a video, show up at an open-mic poetry night, etc. This is why I am so thankful when it happens, because I know how much it takes to reach a point when you can contribute, and even when you do it, there is still so much doubt and fear about how your work will be received.

For white allies, here are some things to do:

  1. Create space for BIPOC voices: Sometimes it’s not that BIPOC folks don’t want to contribute our thoughts, it’s that white colleagues take up all the air, energy, or opportunities. Examine whether you are doing that, and point it out to other white folks when they’re doing that.
  2. Be patient and encouraging: Now that you know some of the factors as to why a BIPOC colleague might be hesitant to write a blog post for your org’s website or go in with you as co-hosts on a podcast or op-ed, try to be understanding and supportive.
  3. Check for white professional standards gatekeeping: Many of our conventions are archaic (like I end sentences with prepositions all the time; it’s not something any of us should be worried about). Are you using ancient white norms and formalities to gatekeep BIPOC voices? Are you forcing BIPOC folks to change their tones or styles to sound more “acceptable” to other white folks?
  4. Provide compensation: If you’re asking anyone, to provide content, ensure there’s compensation. This goes double when you’re asking BIPOCs.

Read the full article about supporting BIPOC content creators by Vu Le at Nonprofit AF.