Regardless of our feelings, we have a social responsibility to fulfill our civic duties and make this world a safer and more productive place to thrive. Unfortunately, alongside every sunny side of life, there is a dark side. Though darkness has some benefits in nature, it can be blinding to those conditioned to see only where there is light. Humanity, in essence, reflects this duality. While we like to believe many are born inherently good, some may not be born bad but instead value choices that could lead to unproductive and negative outcomes.

These choices, often masked as opportunities or strategic moves, can be detrimental. For instance, minority-led organizations frequently receive less funding than their counterparts. Despite strides to improve this, some have worked strategically and methodically to widen that gap. The benefit of widening this gap can be attributed to several reasons, with exploitation and extortion being among the most insidious. Mission-focused minority-led organizations, eager to accomplish their vision, can easily fall prey to suggestive schemes and gimmicks due to a lack of resources. This lack of education and awareness is more complex than it seems.

When we speak of a lack of education and awareness, we refer not to formal education but to an understanding of how things work to keep businesses, organizations, and communities afloat. This is where those who mask their malicious intent with buzzwords and commercial smiles tend to thrive.

In our post-COVID, social media-enticed world, the political and social landscape has become more fluid and ever-evolving. Recently, we have seen an influx of individuals who use the latest buzzwords and mannerisms but possess a character and heart that are the total opposite. To illustrate, let’s focus on the term ‘Ally.’ An ally is perceived as a person or group that provides support and assistance to marginalized communities in ongoing efforts and struggles. However, some embrace this term in theory but withdraw when faced with disagreement or similar circumstances as those they claim to support.

As a non-profit that focuses on value-based education, we frequently encounter opportunities to improve our ‘business.’ While we welcome feedback to help us achieve our mission and vision, we resist those who encourage us to change or close our business. Sadly, this happens more often than one might think. Each time we encounter these manipulative offers, three elements are typically present: the opportunity to make more money, an invitation to partner by closing the business, and pressure to act quickly. Whenever all three are present, the person or entity also comes under the guise of “ally.”

We call these individuals Ally Wolves—those who have mastered the terminology but lack the heart and character, strategically dismantling the intent and movement they claim to support. This can be confusing and frustrating for those who truly have a heart to do good, perpetuating the false narrative that marginalized communities do not want support from ‘outsiders.’ This is why community support and diverse assistance are crucial. At Love Is A Parable, we not only have a board but also an advisory committee—a group of Subject Matter Experts that supplement the board’s skills and abilities, guiding the organization toward its stated mission. This partnership represents community and diverse perspectives, enriching our impact and protecting us from Ally Wolves while bridging the gap with true advocates of humanity.

In essence, it is vital for individuals to employ a safety net comprised of subject matter experts, heart-minded individuals, and a clear understanding of their mission and vision. This approach ensures that goals can be fulfilled while avoiding the snares of Ally Wolves, who might seek to divert them from their path.

Are you interested in knowing our thoughts on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? Well, here are a couple of great reads:

Coloring Within The Lines: The Misconceptions of DEI

Defunding DEI

Love Is A Parable- an initiative and movement that later became an organization within itself. Love is A Parable is a DBA and subsidiary of Altar and Dwelling Place, Inc. We are a charitable and educational 501c3 organization, that provides character, social, and leadership development to those who have an aspiration toward unity, love, and kindness through a reflective thinking approach and sacred-box theory that involves value-based education.

J. Dwayne Garnett, BSRT, MHA, QP
Chief Executive Officer
Love Is A Parable
Available for Empowerment Speaking Engagements, Consultations, Uncovering Sessions, and Instruction.
Find out more about J by clicking HERE!