I was born privileged, extremely privileged.  Let’s even give it a capital P for Privilege.

I was born white. I was born healthy. I was born straight.  I was born safe.  I was born secure. 

As I put these thoughts to paper, each revision unwraps more and more layers.  Some compare moments like this to peeling the layers of an onion.  It reminds me of eating an artichoke. As I tear each leaf away, I work my way – to the center – to the heart of the artichoke.  Take care with this thistle vegetable. . Each edible leaf has a tiny thorn, and if I am not mindful, I might get pricked. My culinary experience motivates me to get to the center of the edible globe, my curious mind drives me to peel away my experiences to reveal my own heart. 

I do not write to justify myself. I do not cast judgement on how others think.  I do not assume to understand how others feel.  I do not feel shame or guilt.  I simply feel a lack of awareness. In the summer of 2020, I  am driven to reflect on my own experiences and bring to light what rings true to me, at this moment in time.  

(SNIP)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE FULL PDF ARTICLE written in the Summer of 2020.

I am a truth seeker.  I am curious.  I aspire to be a solution contributor. I will pursue paths to purposefully utilize my self reflection. As I look at each situation, each day, with gratitude for my advantages, it reveals to me areas I was unable to see yesterday or even moments ago.  Awareness seems a key ingredient to support sustained change toward a better society. 

What can I do?

• Teach other people the barriers of success
• Promise to listen and amplify the voices of People of Color (POC)
• Be more than NOT racist, become an Anti-racist
• Confront racial injustice even when it is uncomfortable
• LEARN LEARN LEARN… never stop LEARNING and adding to this list.

Excellent Resources for Allyship and White Privilege by Princeton Day School