I remember…. In 2012 when Trayvon Martin was fatally shot down by George Zimmerman, I heard your cries of injustice. I heard your excitement and faith in our legal system for a brief second, until you learned the jury was 5 white women and a hispanic male. When he was acquitted of all charges, And I listened to your frustration, your claims that the courts had failed you purposely, because he was black.
In June of 2015, Dylann Roof walked into Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and was accepted into their prayer circle with open arms. He sat and talked with his victims an hour before opening fire and killing 9 people. I sat with you as we mourned this act of hatred upon your race.
And I have stood beside you while you protest at BLM rallies. I have seen your people being labeled as “thugs” and “criminals”just for their skin tone. And I have watched people of my own skin color lock their doors and clutch their purse while you walk past. I have witnessed with my own eyes the racial profiling set upon your melanin skin.
Yes I recognize my privilege.
As a white female, I understand the extra perks I will receive in life because of my lack of skin color. And I choose to not only recognize my privilege but to use it to make a difference.
Yes I am sorry.
I have studied the part of history that my southern high school attempted to pass through. And I have learned how my race bought, sold, tormented and discriminated against yours. On behalf of my race, I apologize for those who refuse to acknowledge that we benefit from still today from the privileges that were held from your people for so long, the opportunities our government still holds from you. I apologize for the systems put in place to prevent you from succeeding, and I will stand beside you as you fight these injustices.
I am thankful.
Thank you for being patient with me and learning to trust me as I stand by your side to help fight for your — our causes. Thank you for teaching me about your culture, and your history. I am thankful for those of you who kindly teach me about recognizing my own privilege and allowing me to use it to benefit your fight. Thank you for all your ancestors have done and all you continue to do to help build our country.
I am praying for you, and for my race.
I pray that one day your mothers won’t have to teach their sons how to survive through each day, how to interact with people of my skin color. Being respectful, but avoiding law enforcement whenever possible. I pray one day our justice system will deliver justice for you. And I pray one day that our race will fight for yours like you still fight for ours. I pray one day that your melanin can be proudly celebrated, without fear of backlash.
And I pray the idea of “reverse racism” will be understood as fiction. I pray that my race will humble themselves and choose to use their privilege to help you in your fight. And I pray we will work together to dismantle systemic racism, together. For you, your ancestors and your future generations.
