Allies are critical for dismantling oppressions. A distinguishing characteristic of allies is their sense of power-with as opposite to power-over, their willingness to grasp deeply their own identity with neither shame nor hubris, their honesty, and their recognition that merely good intent cannot replace action. Becoming allies within our individual identity groups as well as between identity groups of others is a powerful alliance. As was the case with Bacon's rebellion, such an alliance will inevitably threaten the status quo. Working together "in serried ranks" is the only way to dismantle oppression. Allies who serve each other are willing to ask the more difficult questions, elicit a variety of perspectives, and seek to discover what may be obscure and difficult to process. The need for allies to act as change agents is without question an expectation to be pursued. White allies are those who have chosen to recognize the opportunity to contradict and challenge this role through action.