Black Women Are Resting: Now It's Time for Real Action from Allies

Well, I’m glad you asked. For centuries, Black women have been at the forefront of protests, movements, and social change. From social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to on-the-ground activism, Black women have been the ones leading the charge, often carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. Now, after generations of relentless advocacy, Black women are finally saying “enough.” They are focusing on self-care, healing, and allowing other groups of women to step in and support the movement.

Why? Because Black women deserve time to rest, recharge, and pour into themselves. This is not just a luxury—it's essential. For far too long, Black women have been the backbone of many social causes, but now it's time for them to take a step back. The foundation has been laid, the blueprint is in place, and the door is open for others to step in and build upon what has already been created.

The Rise of Allies: A New Call for Action

Recently, there has been an uptick in non-Black women reaching out to Black women to ask how they can show their support, how they can be allies. While the desire to be supportive is always welcomed, the reality is that this is not a "new" concept. What’s new is that Black women have drawn a hard line in the sand this time, and the world is finally listening. For far too long, Black women have been expected to carry the weight of change, but now the expectation is shifting.

For all the non-Black women who claim to be “allies” to Black women and girls, it's time to move beyond the performative gestures. Words like “I support you” or wearing a bracelet are no longer enough. It's time for real action. If you truly want to support Black women, you must understand that the old ways of offering help—however well-intentioned—are no longer enough.

First: Financial Support, Not Just Donations

One of the most significant ways non-Black women can truly support Black women is through financial support. And I don’t mean one-off donations or occasional charity work. I’m talking about long-term, sustainable financial backing for Black women-owned businesses.

Think about it: when a wealthy individual makes a financial contribution to a white-owned business, they don’t expect to control the business. They don’t try to micromanage or dictate how it’s run. The same should apply when you support a Black woman’s business. If you're willing to invest in her venture, respect her autonomy and allow her to grow her business as she sees fit.

Ask yourself: Would you micromanage the CEO of Apple after contributing to their business? Likely not. So, why should Black women’s businesses be treated any differently? Treat their businesses with the same level of respect, care, and understanding. Financial support shouldn’t come with strings attached—it should be an investment in their vision, not an attempt to control it.

Second: Use Your Resources and Connections

If you have valuable resources, connections, or support to offer Black women—whether it's business advice, mentorship, or access to key networks—then speak up.

Do not wait for Black women to ask for help repeatedly. If you see an opportunity to support, take the initiative. Many of you still haven't fully grasped that when you support Black women, you are, in turn, supporting yourself and the collective good. Black women have already proven time and time again that they are for the people, for the greater good. But we are no longer here to prove ourselves to anyone. Support must go beyond words and gestures—it must be met with action.

It's important to recognize that Black women have never asked for performative gestures. Yet, too often, non-Black women assume that by wearing a bracelet or making a symbolic gesture, they are somehow fulfilling their duty as an ally. This is not what Black women need. We need tangible, visible action. If you're truly committed to supporting Black women, stop deciding for us what we need—listen to us, follow our lead, and act accordingly.

The Shifting Landscape: No Going Back

This is a pivotal moment in history, not just for Black women, but for all women. Black women are taking a much-needed step back to heal, reflect, and center themselves. This is a time for other groups of women to step up, reflect, and understand that the landscape has shifted. The rules have changed, and the way we all engage in activism, solidarity, and support must evolve with it.

Black women are no longer willing to do all the heavy lifting. The world is changing, and it’s time for others to recognize that the future will look very different. The world is calling for correction. The world is calling for women to work together in new, more balanced ways. Black women are pulling the rug out from under the old systems of support, and there’s no going back.

The Call for Action

From here on out, action is the only acceptable form of support. If you are not actively contributing to the cause—whether financially, emotionally, or with tangible resources—then you are not truly supporting Black women. It's time for the collective to stop leaning on Black women to carry the load and to start stepping up in real, concrete ways.

The world is uncomfortable right now, and it will continue to get more uncomfortable as we move forward. But change requires discomfort. We cannot continue to build on the same old systems that have kept Black women at the center of struggle while everyone else benefits. Now is the time for all women to come together and build something better—something that is truly equitable and sustainable for everyone.

Black women are no longer doing the heavy lifting. It’s time for the rest of us to carry the weight, take action, and create a future where no one is left behind.