Latest news with #allyship
CTV News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Dr. Samra Zafar shares how to be an ally during Pride Month
Dr. Samra Zafar shares how to be an ally during Pride Month Human rights advocate Dr. Samra Zafar joins CP24 Breakfast to discuss supporting LGBTQ communities during Pride Month and how we can all be better allies.
Forbes
01-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
How To Move From Ally To Accomplice
From Ally to Accomplice: How to Lead as a Fierce Antiracist by Seena Hodges In From Ally to Accomplice, Seena Hodges pushes the reader to move beyond their comfort zone to do deeper work and take risks in supporting anti-racism. Hodges is the founder and CEO of The Woke Coach and leads anti-racist programming and trainings for clients inside and out of higher education. Her clients include Red Wing Shoe Company, the Walker Arts Center, and the University of Minnesota, among many others. I reached out to her to learn more about her perspectives, especially amid the current backlash against anything considered 'woke' or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) focused. I wanted to know what inspired her to write her new book and how her personal and professional experiences shaped the book's message. Hodges shared, 'From Ally to Accomplice was born out of both urgency and a deep desire to help people move from intention to impact in their racial equity work. Over the years, I've seen many well-meaning individuals—especially white folks—who want to make a difference but don't know how, or are afraid of getting it wrong. Too often, allyship becomes a title people claim rather than a practice rooted in accountability and risk.' Hodges has spent much of her career facilitating conversations during which discomfort is necessary to spur transformation. She explained, 'I wrote this book to offer a path forward that's honest and accessible. It doesn't sugarcoat the work but doesn't shame people out of trying.' She added, 'My goal was to invite people beyond performative allyship into something deeper: a daily commitment to action, reflection, and systemic change.' Hodges included stories and insights in the book that are part of her experience as a Black woman in the U.S. She also shared stories of the many people she has worked with throughout her career. One of the book's central themes, which I was eager to unpack with Hodges, is the distinction between ally and accomplice. I was interested in how she defines accomplice in the context of racial equity work and why the shift is critical. She explained, 'An ally can—and often does—opt in and out. It's conditional. It's comfortable. It's often about optics.' On the other hand, according to Hodges, 'An accomplice takes risks. An accomplice puts skin in the game. They leverage their privilege to dismantle the very systems that benefit them, even when it costs them something: status, relationships, professional opportunities.' She believes this shift is essential because 'racism isn't polite. It isn't passive.' Hodges thinks that dismantling racism requires more than 'hashtags and book clubs.' Instead, it requires courageous and continual action. For her, 'Being an accomplice means understanding that liberation is collective—and none of us are free until all of us are.' Hodges is deeply invested in this work's emotional terrain, particularly the role of discomfort. I asked her how people can navigate this discomfort productively, without retreating or becoming defensive. She shared, 'Discomfort is not the enemy—it's the teacher. When we feel that gut punch of guilt, shame, or defensiveness, we have a choice: retreat into the safety of denial or lean into the opportunity for growth.' Hodges further explained her approach, 'I tell people all the time: the goal isn't to be 'right,' it's to be real. Be honest with yourself. Ask, 'Why is this hitting a nerve?' Practice pausing before reacting. Seek feedback, not validation.' To her, the most important strategy in becoming an accomplice is to show up. She believes that 'unlearning white supremacy is not about perfection—it's about persistence.' Many of Hodges' readers might be eager to 'do the work' but unsure where to start. I asked her what some of the first concrete steps someone can take to move from passive support to active engagement are. In the same real tone used throughout From Ally to Accomplice, she said, 'Start with yourself. Examine your own biases. Interrogate the spaces you move through daily—your workplace, your neighborhood, your friend circles. Who's missing? Who's being excluded? Then, do something.' The 'do something,' according to Hodges, might include saying something up when your colleague makes a racist comment, advocating for policy changes at work when you see systemic inequities, redirecting resources to organizations led by people of color, or, in some cases, giving up opportunities to make space for those who rarely get opportunities. Hodges is fierce in her advice that those who want to be anti-racist must 'commit to showing up consistently, not just when it's trending.' For her, 'It's a lifelong commitment.' The last question I asked Hodges was what she hopes readers carry with them after finishing the book, and how she hopes her book contributes to broader systemic change. She emphasized wanting readers to 'leave the book feeling challenged, not comforted. Inspired, but also unsettled. If you finish this book and think, 'Wow, that was a good read,' and go back to business as usual—I've failed.' She hopes that From Ally to Accomplice is 'a mirror, a tool, and a call to action.' Moreover, she wants it to live in readers' conversations, choices, and organizational leadership. She stated, 'If enough people stop playing it safe and start doing the hard, messy, necessary work of accompliceship—real, systemic change becomes possible.' For Hodges, this work is not merely about individual transformation. Instead, it is about 'collective liberation," and for her, it 'starts with each of us choosing courage over comfort, every single day.' Ultimately, Hodges does not offer comfort, which makes this book necessary and unique in many ways. She doesn't promise ease but talks about clarity, accountability, and direction. With her message, she offers her readers a powerful invitation to stop waiting for the right moment to act, and instead to begin the work wherever they are and with the resources they have.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Men urged to be 'allies' to combat Jersey's gender pay gap
Men have been invited to "unite" with women at a roundtable discussion on how to tackle the gender pay gap in Mourant from Mind the Gap - a group of female business leaders advocating for gender parity - said eight men were already signed-up to the event, which would focus on "ally-ship". At the heart of talks will be the 6.3% average pay gap between men and women, she said, with men earning on average £2 more than women per hour, according to a Statistics Jersey report published in March."We really believe that narrowing the gap benefits both men and women and we are only going to speak from a position of power if we are united," said Ms Mourant. The gender pay gap is widest in the finance and information sectors where men get paid more than 20% extra, according to Statistics gap also tends to widen as workers get older, peaking in people's 50s, according to the report. Ms Mourant said: "We have been told by male colleagues that they don't really know how to support us so we are delivering a roundtable about how best we can work together."She said the goal was to "hear experiences" and gain insights into what people could do to "move forward and let go of biases which are deeply ingrained in us as a society".She said the subject was "contentious" adding: "Most people will assume men and women can't get paid differently for doing the same job."That isn't the gender pay gap. We're talking about the average, the difference in earnings between men and women." She said reasons given for this gap included taking maternity time or a lack of said there was also a school of thought that women "lacked confidence" but that this was a "debunked myth"."If we start drilling down into different sectors and age ranges that disparity becomes absolutely wider."For us, this is all about bringing men into the conversation because we know we can't make change unless all of us are moving in the same direction."
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Real reason Justin Bieber finally broke silence on Diddy rumors as he fights to become ‘symbol of survival and allyship'
JUSTIN Bieber finally spoke out on rumors he was a victim of Sean "Diddy" Combs to reclaim his power as he positions himself as a "symbol of survival and allyship," an expert has claimed. Bieber, 31, was mentored by Combs, 55, whose kicked off in New York this week. 5 Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Justin Bieber performed at the BET-SOS Saving Ourselves Help for Haiti Benefit Concert in 2010 in Miami Credit: Getty 5 Justin Bieber has now spoken publicly about rumors he was abused by Diddy Credit: Getty Fans have speculated for months as to whether the pop star's reported mental health problems were linked to the rapper's trial, as he was previously close to the star when he was a teen icon. Combs has pleaded not guilty to several federal charges, primarily related to sex trafficking and racketeering. He is also the defendant in a handful of civil suits that have been filed by alleged sex assault victims who are both female and male. Bieber Read More Diddy "Shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve." He waited months to comment on the rumors and PR expert Chad Teixeira, who has worked with the likes of the Kardashians, feels the move was calculated. Teixeira told The U.S. Sun, "The allegations against Diddy have reached critical mass. Bieber knows that if he doesn't speak now, the narrative will be written without him and probably not in his favor. "This is a moment of calculated authenticity. Most read in Celebrity "This wasn't a delay, it was a deliberate media strategy." PR expert Chad Teixeira "He waited until the cultural conditions were right: when others were brave enough to speak; when legal processes were underway, and when public opinion was ready to hear, not just react. "It's not just about protecting himself. It's about setting the record straight, on his terms, while reclaiming [the] power that was taken from him as a teenager. Sean Coombs and Justin Bieber seen together in resurfaced 2011 video on Jimmy Kimmel "He chose this moment to speak out on purpose and rightfully so." Teixeira believes if he had spoken out before it could have ignited a "media firestorm" and be a "PR sh*t show". "It could even retraumatize others. Bieber likely waited for a combination of personal readiness, legal clarity, and cultural timing. "There's a difference between reacting to rumors and responding to undeniable truths and by waiting, he ensured his voice would carry weight, not speculation. "This wasn't a delay, it was a deliberate media strategy. "Speaking before the trial could've been dismissed as attention seeking or premature. Speaking now signals courage, control, and credibility." Teixeira said breaking his silence now is a "seismic moment" and shifts Bieber from a possibly complicit bystander into a "symbol of survival and allyship." He explained, "By referencing 'other victims,' Bieber isn't just distancing himself, he's planting a flag in the ground. It comes as... Cassie Ventura, Combs' ex-partner, shared disturbing revelations about alleged freak-offs Unedited clip showing Combs' 2016 attack on Ventura has been released Ventura claimed Combs forced her into sick sex sessions with escorts Ex-hotel security guard Israel Florez testified about working when Male escort Daniel Phillip took the stand to speak about how he was paid to have sex with Ventura in front of Combs Combs turned down a plea deal days before jury selection got underway Combs was hit with fresh prostitution and sex trafficking charges just months before his trial started "He's signaling that the old rules of silence and loyalty to powerful men no longer apply. "This isn't just damage control; it's narrative reclamation. And culturally, that matters. "It transforms him from a product of the machine into someone willing to tear it down if needed. "That kind of move deepens public trust, resonates with younger audiences who value accountability, and positions Bieber as a leader in a much-needed cultural shift. Last year, a video emerged of Bieber and Combs spending "48 hours" together, which fans branded "disturbing" considering the 24-year age gap between the pair. Bieber also sang on Combs' 2023 record The Love Album: Off The Grid which sources now say the pop superstar deeply regrets. Teixeira described Bieber's past connection to the star as a "reputational landmine." He believes the link was once seen as a rite of passage in the industry, but it now serves as a "chilling reminder of the blurred lines and unchecked power that permeated early 2000s celebrity culture." "The current media cycle doesn't require guilt by action; proximity is enough to spark suspicion and speculation," Teixeira went on. "That's damaging for any public figure, especially one who's spent the past decade rebuilding his image from troubled pop star to stable, spiritual husband." Teixeira recognizes Bieber has been struggling in recent months and his withdrawal from music, and inconsistent public appearances can read as someone carrying unspoken trauma. "There's a visible emotional weight in how he's been moving through the world," he said. "The lightness of youth is gone, replaced with a guardedness that fans have picked up on for years. "This isn't just about media scrutiny - it's the internal impact of growing up in an environment where power dynamics were distorted, and exploitation was normalized. What happened during Sean Combs' 'freak offs'? Sean Combs' infamous drug-fueled freak offs, first revealed by his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura's lawsuit in November 2023, have become a central narrative of the indictment, which alleges: The music mogul "manipulated women to participate in highly orchestrated performances of sexual activity with male commercial sex workers." Freak offs "occurred regularly, sometimes lasted multiple days, and often involved multiple commercial sex workers." Combs "distributed a variety of controlled substances to victims, in part to keep the victims obedient and compliant." He and the victims "typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and drug use" after the freak offs. Cops "seized various Freak Off supplies, including narcotics and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant" from his homes in Los Angeles and Miami. Combs "hit, kicked, threw objects at, and dragged victims, at times, by their hair," during and separate from the freak offs, which "often resulted in injuries that took days or weeks to heal." He also used the "sensitive, embarrassing, and incriminating recordings" that he made during freak offs as "collateral to ensure the continued obedience and silence of the victims." "The resurfacing of the Diddy conversation likely forced Bieber to re-evaluate that entire chapter of his life through a new lens, and that reckoning is never clean or easy to manage from a PR perspective." Asked what he thought of how Bieber's statement was worded, he said it struck a delicate balance between protecting his privacy and carrying enough weight to show he's standing for something. He added, "Notably, it avoided sensationalism. There were no accusations, no explicit personal disclosures but there was clarity. "The phrasing was designed to spark empathy without opening legal floodgates. " It was mature, emotionally intelligent, and clearly crafted with a high-level communications strategy and legal advice. "It lets the public feel something without knowing everything, which in today's climate is incredibly powerful and hard to do." Teixeira feels this could be a defining chapter in Bieber's long-term brand arc as he's no longer a kid being pushed into the spotlight - he's a grown man choosing when and how to speak. "This pivot from entertainer to advocate could position him as a voice for change in an industry finally being held to account," he said. "It opens up pathways to meaningful partnerships, deeper artistic work, and long-term legacy-building. "In an era where audiences crave transparency and purpose, this isn't a PR move, it's a rebirth. "And for someone with Bieber's platform, that rebirth could be generationally impactful." 5 Sean 'Diddy' Combs embraces lawyer Anna Estevao as he enters the courtroom during his trial in New York Credit: Reuters 5 NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 2: Justin Bieber is seen on February 2, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by XNY/Star Max/GC Images) Credit: Getty 5 Justin Bieber and Sean 'Diddy' Combs attend a Ciroc party at Vanquish Lounge in 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Real reason Justin Bieber finally broke silence on Diddy rumors as he fights to become ‘symbol of survival and allyship'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JUSTIN Bieber finally spoke out on rumors he was a victim of Sean "Diddy" Combs to reclaim his power as he positions himself as a "symbol of survival and allyship," an expert has claimed. Bieber, 31, was mentored by Combs, 55, whose sex trafficking trial kicked off in New York this week. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Justin Bieber performed at the BET-SOS Saving Ourselves Help for Haiti Benefit Concert in 2010 in Miami Credit: Getty 5 Justin Bieber has now spoken publicly about rumors he was abused by Diddy Credit: Getty Fans have speculated for months as to whether the pop star's reported mental health problems were linked to the rapper's trial, as he was previously close to the star when he was a teen icon. Combs has pleaded not guilty to several federal charges, primarily related to sex trafficking and racketeering. He is also the defendant in a handful of civil suits that have been filed by alleged sex assault victims who are both female and male. Bieber released a statement through his rep this week, stating, "Although Justin is not among Sean Combs' victims, there are individuals who were genuinely harmed by him. "Shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve." He waited months to comment on the rumors and PR expert Chad Teixeira, who has worked with the likes of the Kardashians, feels the move was calculated. Teixeira told The U.S. Sun, "The allegations against Diddy have reached critical mass. Bieber knows that if he doesn't speak now, the narrative will be written without him and probably not in his favor. "This is a moment of calculated authenticity. "This wasn't a delay, it was a deliberate media strategy." PR expert Chad Teixeira "He waited until the cultural conditions were right: when others were brave enough to speak; when legal processes were underway, and when public opinion was ready to hear, not just react. "It's not just about protecting himself. It's about setting the record straight, on his terms, while reclaiming [the] power that was taken from him as a teenager. Sean Coombs and Justin Bieber seen together in resurfaced 2011 video on Jimmy Kimmel "He chose this moment to speak out on purpose and rightfully so." Teixeira believes if he had spoken out before it could have ignited a "media firestorm" and be a "PR sh*t show". "It could even retraumatize others. Bieber likely waited for a combination of personal readiness, legal clarity, and cultural timing. "There's a difference between reacting to rumors and responding to undeniable truths and by waiting, he ensured his voice would carry weight, not speculation. "This wasn't a delay, it was a deliberate media strategy. "Speaking before the trial could've been dismissed as attention seeking or premature. Speaking now signals courage, control, and credibility." Teixeira said breaking his silence now is a "seismic moment" and shifts Bieber from a possibly complicit bystander into a "symbol of survival and allyship." He explained, "By referencing 'other victims,' Bieber isn't just distancing himself, he's planting a flag in the ground. It comes as... Cassie Ventura, Combs' ex-partner, shared disturbing revelations about alleged freak-offs Unedited clip showing Combs' 2016 attack on Ventura has been released Ventura claimed Combs forced her into sick sex sessions with escorts Ex-hotel security guard Israel Florez testified about working when Combs attacked Cassie in 2016 Male escort Daniel Phillip took the stand to speak about how he was paid to have sex with Ventura in front of Combs Combs turned down a plea deal days before jury selection got underway Combs was hit with fresh prostitution and sex trafficking charges just months before his trial started "He's signaling that the old rules of silence and loyalty to powerful men no longer apply. "This isn't just damage control; it's narrative reclamation. And culturally, that matters. "It transforms him from a product of the machine into someone willing to tear it down if needed. "That kind of move deepens public trust, resonates with younger audiences who value accountability, and positions Bieber as a leader in a much-needed cultural shift. Last year, a video emerged of Bieber and Combs spending "48 hours" together, which fans branded "disturbing" considering the 24-year age gap between the pair. Bieber also sang on Combs' 2023 record The Love Album: Off The Grid which sources now say the pop superstar deeply regrets. Teixeira described Bieber's past connection to the star as a "reputational landmine." He believes the link was once seen as a rite of passage in the industry, but it now serves as a "chilling reminder of the blurred lines and unchecked power that permeated early 2000s celebrity culture." "The current media cycle doesn't require guilt by action; proximity is enough to spark suspicion and speculation," Teixeira went on. "That's damaging for any public figure, especially one who's spent the past decade rebuilding his image from troubled pop star to stable, spiritual husband." Teixeira recognizes Bieber has been struggling in recent months and his withdrawal from music, and inconsistent public appearances can read as someone carrying unspoken trauma. "There's a visible emotional weight in how he's been moving through the world," he said. "The lightness of youth is gone, replaced with a guardedness that fans have picked up on for years. "This isn't just about media scrutiny - it's the internal impact of growing up in an environment where power dynamics were distorted, and exploitation was normalized. What happened during Sean Combs' 'freak offs'? Sean Combs' infamous drug-fueled freak offs, first revealed by his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura's lawsuit in November 2023, have become a central narrative of the indictment, which alleges: The music mogul "manipulated women to participate in highly orchestrated performances of sexual activity with male commercial sex workers." Freak offs "occurred regularly, sometimes lasted multiple days, and often involved multiple commercial sex workers." Combs "distributed a variety of controlled substances to victims, in part to keep the victims obedient and compliant." He and the victims "typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and drug use" after the freak offs. Cops "seized various Freak Off supplies, including narcotics and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant" from his homes in Los Angeles and Miami. Combs "hit, kicked, threw objects at, and dragged victims, at times, by their hair," during and separate from the freak offs, which "often resulted in injuries that took days or weeks to heal." He also used the "sensitive, embarrassing, and incriminating recordings" that he made during freak offs as "collateral to ensure the continued obedience and silence of the victims." "The resurfacing of the Diddy conversation likely forced Bieber to re-evaluate that entire chapter of his life through a new lens, and that reckoning is never clean or easy to manage from a PR perspective." Asked what he thought of how Bieber's statement was worded, he said it struck a delicate balance between protecting his privacy and carrying enough weight to show he's standing for something. He added, "Notably, it avoided sensationalism. There were no accusations, no explicit personal disclosures but there was clarity. "The phrasing was designed to spark empathy without opening legal floodgates. " It was mature, emotionally intelligent, and clearly crafted with a high-level communications strategy and legal advice. "It lets the public feel something without knowing everything, which in today's climate is incredibly powerful and hard to do." Teixeira feels this could be a defining chapter in Bieber's long-term brand arc as he's no longer a kid being pushed into the spotlight - he's a grown man choosing when and how to speak. "This pivot from entertainer to advocate could position him as a voice for change in an industry finally being held to account," he said. "It opens up pathways to meaningful partnerships, deeper artistic work, and long-term legacy-building. "In an era where audiences crave transparency and purpose, this isn't a PR move, it's a rebirth. "And for someone with Bieber's platform, that rebirth could be generationally impactful." 5 Sean 'Diddy' Combs embraces lawyer Anna Estevao as he enters the courtroom during his trial in New York Credit: Reuters 5 NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 2: Justin Bieber is seen on February 2, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by XNY/Star Max/GC Images) Credit: Getty
