It Isn’t Enough

I always thought I was in the "right space" in the racism conversation. I am not racist and have always believed all people are entitled to be treated equally.

It isn't enough to be white and just not racist.

I often had trouble understanding my white privilege though clearly recognized early in my career that as a young woman, I had less opportunity and more barriers because I was not a man. I had no trouble recognizing someone else's privilege, and if I am being completely honest with myself, probably felt like I have struggled and so will others. Why does the make me privileged?

It isn't enough to acknowledge my skin color not only affords me, but almost guarantees a very different experience than a person of color in a public forum.

As I watch the events unfolding across our country, I am saddened and also scared. Scared for the safety of my many friends in law enforcement and more so for the many who live in fear every day because of the color of their skin. I feel empathy for mothers of black boys and men though I will never know what it's like to worry that my son will have an encounter with law enforcement simply because of the color of his skin.

It isn't enough to be empathetic, saddened or scared.

As I watched a video posted by my friend and colleague, tears streaming down my face and pain in my heart that my friend and colleague is living in a very different America than I. To hear him express his experience in such a personal way makes me want to DO.SOMETHING.

It isn't enough to just DO SOMETHING. That something has to be consistent, brave, and meaningful.

For now, I will listen and ask questions – what can I do that will make the world safer and more equitable? Too many of us are afraid to ask our friends and colleagues about their experiences as people of color for fear of seeming ignorant (and we are if we are not actively asking and listening) or simply wanting to appear "color blind" and politically correct. One thing I know is that no one ever feels seen, heard or understood when you are blind to them.

It isn't enough for me to say I see you and I hear you. I also want you to know I stand with YOU and want to better understand how I can play an active role in healing but more importantly in changing the experience. I want you to know YOU matter.