Newsmakers: Dr. Rassheedah Watts Talks About Being an Ally
Dr. Rassheedah Watts, the chief diversity officer from North Hennepin Community College, shares how people can become an actionable ally when it comes to racial justice.
“When they are thinking of themselves as an ally, to truly think within themselves and consider what action steps have I taken every day as an ally,” said Watts. “If you are not taking action steps, you can be well-meaning, but you are not being effective.”
Watts created a three-step process to become an ally.
“I developed a three-step process called the ACA pillars. What that stands for is Awareness, Courage and Action,” said Dr. Watts. “That is based on raising your awareness and building your courage so that you can take action in order to be effective.”
Watts says taking courage is often the hardest part. Sometimes people have it in their hearts to do the right thing, but either than don’t know how or they are afraid of repercussions.
“So when it comes to taking action, they hesitate and they won’t do what they need to do,” said Dr. Watts. “So really finding that why is central to moving forward to the next pillar which is action.”
You can learn more about effective allyship at North Hennepin’s Truth and Transformation Conference on June 14-18. The four days of virtual speakers and workshops is free to attend, but registration is required.
“Folks have nothing lo lose, but a lot to gain. I encourage people to come learn, come join us and be a part of the solution,” said Dr Watts.
Dr. Rassheedah Watts speaks about how to be an ally.
