Dear White People*

I’m listening to an audiobook right now.

I don’t think anyone in my family has ever read it. I’m not sure how many of them would even pick it up. Why?

It’s called Me and White Supremacy, and it’s written by a black Muslim woman living in Qatar.

My family is white and Christian. Evangelical. Specifically, Irish, German, and a whole slew of other European. My Dad just calls us “mutts”, proudly. They aren’t maliciously opposed to reading things from outside our culture, but we were definitely raised valuing the classic works, and learning mostly from people who look like us. Really, I just don’t think the book would stand out if they saw its headline. Unfortunately, something as passive as only reading authors of your color has some ugly roots.

Now, I know that’s a bold start, but I want you to hear this.

I have not thought much about how the color of my skin connects me to a relatively heroically-framed history. With some still unresolved shame, I admit that I haven’t considered much about race until recently. The current events are unavoidable as they are being thrown into the faces and social media feeds of everyone in this nation, and I’m sure beyond. It feels like racial injustice is at a maximum high, and that is something probably only a white person will say. The truth of the matter is, racial tensions and racial injustice have always survived. It thrived in broad daylight through enslavement in order to build this nation. Collectively, a lot of us with white heritage believe it has since been stamped down, and the oppression has ceased, except for minor inconveniences and a handful of bad apples. What I’ve come to learn, however, is that just becomes something goes into the shadows doesn’t mean it disappears.

While 26 may seem late to be learning about race, the sad truth is that many of us with white skin don’t have to, sometimes ever. Since I’ve been diving pretty deep into this conversation lately, I’d like to share with those like me who face the world as a white person what I’ve been learning.

If you aren’t ready to hear this, you won’t be able to. I don’t say that condescendingly, but as insight into the wall that I have only currently begun to climb. We will all face it. Whether we attempt to cross it or not is up to us.

I am no expert. I just started this work. And an important part of this work is listening to Black voices. However, sometimes those of us with privilege need to speak up for those fighting for it, and sometimes they need a break from the emotional battle they face when speaking to a White audience. So I want to reach out you (white people) so that maybe we can figure out some of this stuff together, and become better allies without draining our friends of color.

It’s of utmost importance to say and feel that “Black Lives Matter”. Many of you might bristle at the term, or some just casually reply back with, “All Lives Matter”. Yes, all lives matter. However, the point of the BLM movement is to rally behind the cause of the Black American, to hear their plight. For those of you who don’t understand the importance of this specific cry, I’ll include this poignant graphic:

The reason All Lives Matter is offensive and ultimately destructive TO the Black Lives Matter movement is because it detracts from the issue at hand. I can only speak for myself, but when I choose BLM over ALM, I’m not dismissing the “all”. I acknowledge that life in America is hard for all BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color), and that every race (including White) face prejudice. However, it is important that we name the injustice that we see, and right now, everyone is finally seeing the fear that Black Americans face even at home (Breonna Taylor) or going out for a jog (Ahmaud Arbery).

What I’m saying is that “All Lives Matter” isn’t wrong. YOU’RE NOT WRONG. But neither is “Black Lives Matter”, and right now, THAT’S what we need to be focusing on. We can’t change the whole world at once, and Black Americans need to be heard. And if you’re a Christian, take this in:

Now, before I get too close to White Saviorism, let me say this: if you are not familiar with the ways that White Privilege or White Supremacy play out, or how they personally affect you, please read this book, or do some research. If you aren’t ready for it, please try to get ready. This literally is life or death for many in our nation today. If that doesn’t get you up and at ’em, this is personal work and it's very revealing. It will impact the way you treat others around you every day. It is woven into your fabric. It is relevant to everyone. If you believe in equality, justice, or hell, just LOVE, this work is for you.

As I continue reading Layla F. Saad’s Me and White Supremacy, I will continue sharing what I am learning. My intention is that those who are just now learning about race, how racism appears today, the history of Black Americans, or anything else related to today’s current events can learn a little bit more from someone who is currently going through it. It sucks and it’s a hard journey. But it feels like the most important journey to me right now. If you step into the discomfort, I’m sure you will feel the same way.

Thanks for stopping by,

Lorelei

*I have chosen this title as a nod to the Netflix series with the same name. It has been an educational tool as well.