In this episode I talk to blogger and journalist Ayana Lage about social justice, racism, social media and mental health. We talk about virtue signaling and performative allyship vs. true allyship; 3 things we can all do to be a better ally; why so many people seem to be waking up to racism now; the conflicting feelings of experiencing social media’s sudden shift to support the Black community; microaggressions; Ayana’s experience with clinical depression and the mental health system in this country; how to take care of mental health in this heightened time, and so much more.   My earnings from the sponsorship of this episode have gone to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in honor of Ayana. Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a Black women-led cross-sectoral alliance. They center Black mamas to advocate, drive, research, build power and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights and justice. For more information and to donate, visit blackmamasmatter.org    www.bookofthemonth.com/BLONDE to get your first month's book for just $9.99   Produced by Dear Media