Creating equality

As a nation, we continue to struggle with issues of race. For those who believe racial equality has arrived, and racial injustice does not exist, I recommend you read the works of TaNehisi Coates, Ibram X. Kendi and Robin DiAngelo to get an alternative perspective. Dismissing multiple perspectives is a form of racism.

People of color cannot create equality. Women did not attain suffrage on their own; it took courageous, progressive white men to grant this right. Addressing racial injustice requires that we are more curious about injustice than we are worried about our comfort. We must listen, and be slow to characterize and judge others.

We can begin with civil discussions to address issues of equality, or maintain silent complicity with the status quo. Consider:

Does white privilege provide opportunity to deny racial injustice?

Do those who come from white privilege have advantages in our society?

In this country, people of color have spent 12 generations in bondage and three generations with civil rights; do you believe they have caught up with their white counterparts and leveled the playing field?

Do you believe there are too many governmental programs to help people of color?

How was the family unit supported through 12 generations of slavery?

Be strong, stay safe and listen to others with an open mind and compassionate heart. We can make positive change for our children!

JERRY MINSINGER

Westwood