#21: Looking for Allies
One reason why POC look for friends in their own community is the simple fact that people often feel a stronger sense of belonging and comfort among others who share similar experiences and perspectives. For POC, this might mean bonding over shared experiences of racism and discrimination or a shared cultural heritage and history.

Another reason is that POC may feel like they need to constantly educate and defend themselves from white people, which can be exhausting and draining. This is particularly true in situations where they encounter prejudice, microaggressions, or other forms of racism. In these cases, having friends who understand and can relate to these experiences can provide much-needed support.