How to Be An Ally during Black History Month

By Amber DAnn Picota

Lo and behold, each February (which is black history month) performative allyship puts on quite a show.

White people, let’s have a talk.

Celebrating black history month is not about being seen doing something good, or about being seen at all. Some of the best ways to celebrate black history month are by shopping with black owned businesses, supporting black professionals, buying books written by black authors,and educating yourself (as well as other white people) about the true history of our country… Yes, even the ugly parts. ESPECIALLY the ugly parts.

We at Quoir Academy feel strongly about centering the voices of people committed to anti-racism, racial reconciliation, and true unity. Black history month should be about actually making a difference; not just lip service.

We want to take a moment to spotlight two of our course instructors, who also happen to be amazing black women who just released courses.

LaToya Thompson

LaToya has been a writer for over  20 years! She currently lives in Texas. Her writing includes stanzas, newsprint, executive speeches, first-person essays, and short stories. Soon, she looks forward to offering her novel & memoir. Her passion and commitment lie at the intersection of liberation, justice, and joy.

LaToya’s course, Deconstructing & Decolonizing: Picking Up the Pieces of Your Faith covers topics like deconstruction, marriage & divorce, gender roles, evangelical culture and decolonization. This course is for those who are wrestling with their faith, who are seeking support while seeking answers to the tough questions.

Rev. Dr. Angela Parker

Dr. Angela Parker is well known on social media, where she is known as the Boozy Bible Scholar. Though we know and love her from social media, and the casual relatable way she unpacks profound concepts, she is also an associate professor of New Testament and Greek at McAfee. She received her B.A. in religion and philosophy from Shaw University (2008), her M.T.S. from Duke Divinity School (2008-2010) and her Ph.D. in Bible, culture, and hermeneutics (New Testament focus) from Chicago Theological Seminary (2015).

Dr. Parker’s course, Exploring Womanist Theology, you will learn the answers to questions such as: What is the difference between womanism and feminism? How does womanist theology and womanist biblical interpretation spark liberations for larger groups of people? This course will answer these questions & more by exploring the complex relationship between sexism and other binary modes of “isms” such as racism, heterosexism, (neo)colonialism, ableism, ageism, and anti-Semitism as they relate to contemporary theology and ethical biblical interpretation. With a greater understanding of misogyny against all women in churches, communities, and society (i.e. such as politics), we can stand together to build a better future.

These are both amazing women, and their courses will shift your entire paradigm. Support black writers, teachers, professionals, artists & business owners this Black History Month.