As I consider current events, protests, rioting, I have started to explore the advantages given to me merely because of the color of my skin. Having taken pride in not seeing color, I realize it is not enough. It's a start alright, but I need to dive in. It doesn't matter that my personal heroes are Martin Luther King and Mahatma Ghandi. What is my part?
I am free to start my own business, free to pursue advanced education, free to largely walk the streets without too much fear. Yes I am a small woman and I am not so foolish as to walk anywhere. I am not that free.
Often I am given the benefit of the doubt and trust which I have not yet earned. I take these things for granted. I don't even see them.
Our country and my friends around the world are in pain over institutionalized racism. A good way to start is by acknowledging what is true, that people are treated differently on the basis of the color of their skin. Only when we can see our part, can we move forward. I didn't intend harm to my black brother. But did I help him? Did I fight for justice alongside him? Did I demand change?
Change always starts with me first. I promise to change the part of me that sees you as different from me. I promise to create a just, humane world. I will use the unasked for advantages given to me by my race in service of all of us. Will you join me on my quest?