This is the story of two Black women, myself and Brandi Smith. We both hail from Queens, NYC, and identify as queer women. Interestingly, we had never met in person until July 2025, which was eight months after we embarked on a business venture together.
Our connection began on Facebook where we were just another two women who had a lot of mutual friends. Our online friendship grew as we followed and supported each other’s content on TikTok. Following the 2024 elections, we shared a sense of loss when VP Kamala Harris did not secure the presidency. This moment impacted our community deeply, and we decided that resting was not the resistance we wanted to pursue. Brandi proposed starting an anti-racism book club specifically for white women. I already had a similar club on Discord but was seeking a better platform. When I suggested joining forces, Brandi enthusiastically agreed.
Why focus on white women? The data showing that 53% of white women voted against progressive change propelled us into action. We wanted to engage the 47% who supported Harris and foster a space for anti-racism and true allyship.
Thus, Allies at Work was born.
What began as a modest book club with 30 white women committed to learning about anti-racism has grown into an expansive organization comprising over 200 members. Today, Allies at Work offers a structured three-year journey that guides participants through deconstructing racism, engaging with social justice, and becoming effective allies not just to the Black community but also other marginalized groups.
While our original book club remains focused on anti-racism education, our initiative has expanded to include various book clubs, courses, and personalized training sessions, all tailored to different audiences and allyship goals. Brandi and I strive to educate and inspire a vibrant community dedicated to instigating worldwide change.
Currently, we host three distinct book clubs: The Anti-Racism Book Club for White Women, which aids white women in dismantling inherent racism and enhancing their support for marginalized groups; The Lavender Liberation Book Club, a Queer Social Justice club for the queer community and their allies addressing significant issues; and Ashes and Ink, a new initiative welcoming Black transgender and cisgender men, focusing on reshaping perceptions of Black masculinity and facilitating profound transformation.
Brandi’s influence has reached major media outlets like Rolling Stone and The New York Times, and her work has been showcased on the Tamron Hall Show. Meanwhile, I have authored anti-racism eBooks and appeared on NBC News, receiving acknowledgments from notable personalities like Joy Reid, D.L. Hughley, and Ebro in the Morning on Hot 97. These accolades underscore the remarkable progress we’ve made in less than a year.
Allies At Work transcends the initial grief of a political loss; it is a vibrant movement committed to driving enduring societal change, grounded in the belief that greater understanding and genuine allyship can indeed transform our society.
Black women are truly magical!
Truly Yours,
Day
