SIUE’S IMPACT Academy Discusses What “Allyship” Looks Like
What is the definition of an ally and who makes the determination? Is it the person extending the actions of solidarity, or the one on the receiving end? This concept served as the framework to discuss “allyship” towards those who are oppressed and disadvantaged.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Immersive Meaningful Practices for Accountable Campus Transformation (IMPACT) Academy presented the virtual workshop, “Allyship: A Title Bestowed” on Tuesday, April 20.
IMPACT fellows Timothy E. Lewis, assistant professor in the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Political Science, and Liz Stygar, instructor in the Department of Sociology, co-facilitated the over-capacity crowd workshop that examined the meaning, obligations and provided examples of substantive “allyship.”
“The workshop pushed participants to re-think ‘allyship,’ not as an identity chosen by a privileged person but a recognition granted because of sincere ongoing actions of solidarity,” said Lewis. “Thus, it informed actions that are recognized by an oppressed group. Helena Liu (2020) states, ‘an ally is not a status that white people can designate themselves. It can only be assigned by those marginalized who recognize the ally’s struggles towards solidarity.’”
“Your individual desire to be seen a certain way does not mean folx in marginalized group(s) would consider you helpful,” said Stygar. “‘Allyship’ is not an identity. ‘Allyship’ is a verb. It involves constant and consistent work.”
“Historical realities led to systems that currently benefit certain groups, and allyship is centered on actions of dismantling those systems in an equitable way,” said Lewis. “Additionally, the equity that results from dismantling systems of oppression has a communal benefit to everyone in society, including historically privileged groups.”
“The work is individual and institutional,” added Stygar. “We want SIUE to be an inclusive campus for all students, faculty and staff.”
For more information on the IMPACT Academy and upcoming trainings, contact Kathryn Bentley, MFA, IMPACT Academy coordinator, associate professor in the CAS Department of Theater and Dance, and Black Studies program director, at kbentle@siue.edu.
Photo:
IMPACT fellows Timothy E. Lewis, assistant professor in the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Political Science; and Liz Stygar, instructor in the Department of Sociology.
