As a White woman, I’ve benefited from racism. All White people have. I've been able to navigate this world without being discriminated against or harmed due to the color of my skin. Because of my skin color, I’ve not had to overcome the racist systemic barriers that exist. In fact, for a long time, I didn’t even see the barriers or knew that they existed. This is privilege: the unearned advantages I’ve benefited from due to my Whiteness. Because I'm White, I've not had to worry about being racially profiled by police. This is privilege.
Right now, as people gather and stand up against the injustice of police brutality and anti-Black racism, I ask you to take the time to learn about your privilege, racial injustice, to listen more than you speak, to elevate the voices and experiences of Black people. If you're able, donate to the Black Cultural Society or BIPOC USHR. Show up. Stand up. Speak out against anti-Black racism. Don’t be silent. Black Lives Matter.
Brittany Jakubiec,
Charlottetown