I've said it before, and I'll say it again:
We need more White people actively participating in conversations about race, power, privilege, equity, inclusion, belonging, diversity, and other myriad interrelated topics we like to avoid.
Our silence is complicity.
Our lack of self-education, curiosity, awareness, cultural competency, and empathy is harmful to people we don't see and may never know.
Conversely, our advocacy and amplification of marginalized voices drives impact and affects change.
Yesterday I received a message from a Black woman thanking me for my post about the unwillingness of White people to be part of the conversation.
Thanking me for not dismissing her "very real experience."
She was afraid to comment publicly because she couldn't risk being associated with the content.
Some of her clients wouldn't approve, as they "are a bit like those described in your post."
So, yes, it takes courage. Yes, it may seem like a never-ending battle. Yes, you'll get trolls and aggressive disagreers. Yes, your friends and colleagues will question you and tease you and wonder why you're doing it.
And, yes, you have to weather all of that. And do it anyway.
Be part of the conversation. People appreciate it more than you may ever know.