I acknowledge the power of my white privilege and how it makes it easy for me to not think about it. I can choose to be blissfully ignorant and walk away and continue to live in my own protected bubble, that is the easy way. The much harder way is to listen and learn from people of color, hear their stories, and reflect on that new knowledge. Then use the power and privilege afforded me to help make a difference. That is the hard thing that white people must acknowledge: our history of power and privilege created systematic racism and we must use our power and privilege to change it.
Thank you for this post, Jessica. I, too, recognize the privileges I have as a white person, and grew up in that same bubble you mentioned. I hope there are more folks like you out there who take the opportunities they are presented with to make a difference and a change. Thank you again.