It’s alright to be White
It’s alright to be White,
and proud to be born free,
though a history of Racism and hate
creates disparity, disunity,
partiality.
Don’t perpetuate the hate,
don’t deny the lie,
of discrimination, denigration, and segregation;
oppose those things and rise above
to a higher love.
Though you are White,
be a light,
uphold the right,
for what you do
defines you and who you are,
as a human being.
What you bring in your time, your place,
makes a difference
to the whole human race
of which you are
an equal and valuable part.
It’s alright to be White.
©BG Stanley, 2008, revised, 2020. All rights reserved.
I remember writing this poem years ago for the Caucasian man in my Transforming Community Project (TCP) group. It was also for the white woman who cried in the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) conference. She stated that she felt so bad about being White because of the history of slavery, discrimination, Jim Crow, and the current Racism and injustices against people of Color in America and abroad. I told her; she should not be ashamed to celebrate who she was and her growth and recognition that there is a problem that must be addressed and redressed. Many people wake up and begin to feel the pain and see the injustices and disparities and decide to help transform the world for the better.
Dr. King acknowledged the White people who joined in the Civil Rights struggle. They understood our inter-relatedness and interconnectedness. They were able to recognize their freedoms in America that were denied or only partially provided to people of Color. They empathized with the mistreatment and injustices inflicted on America’s Black, Brown, and even indigenous peoples. We could not have gained the rights and amendments without them and our faith in God. They joined the Movement to make a change. We must continue to dialogue and use actions to move from the chaos of Racism and discrimination to a caring community. Yes, we have made progress, but more is needed to become the “Beloved Community” that King envisioned.
Today, I want to acknowledge all the White People, especially my friends, co-workers, and other races who have joined this peaceful protest again to effect change in America. Whether through educating yourself and others, or helping to dismantle biased policies, or just speaking out, and reaching out to others to dialogue or listen. It takes all of us. I applaud the peaceful protestors, the Black Lives Matter Movement, the Millennials and Gen X, and everybody who is positively shaking this world. We are at a pivotal point in our history. How we rewrite this narrative, change deep-rooted systemic Racism, end disparities, and transform and build a better relationship not only with the police but also with every social institution will make us better, or make us worse. Let us strive for better for all of us.
Some White men feel marginalized, anxious, or angry because of the efforts made toward embracing diversity and ensuring equitable opportunities, socially, politically, and economically for every American. White men and women are not being displaced, replaced, or disregarded as obstructionist and agitators would make them believe. We are all here. We need all the voices, all the hearts, and all the minds to progress. There is enough room at the table of America for all of us to sit together and experience equities in our pursuit of happiness, security, justice, life, liberty, and opportunities.
Denial and negative stereotypes only hamper this effort; an open mind is necessary for transformation. Many only know of the Glory of America, not the shame. Nevertheless, we can rise above it. We can vow not to repeat it, and we can exclude it from every social institution as we willingly work toward correcting past and present wrongs. Legislation and new inclusive, fair laws must be instituted by those who have the power and platform to do so. No-one needs to wallow in shame nor sit in denial or ignorance. But we must raise our level of consciousness again. We must get in touch with our misperceptions, misconceptions, biases, harmful ideologies, shake off complacency, open our eyes to the truth, educate ourselves and our children, and be deliberate in our actions for transformation. Together we will eradicate systemic Racism. Imagine how much higher America would rise and advance if we all were able to participate equitably and share our knowledge and talents? Let us ignore the doubters and those who want to maintain the ‘status quo.’ When we release the chains of discrimination and Racism that bind and blind us, we will rise beyond anything we can even imagine.
Let the Celebration begin.
We should all feel free to celebrate our identity in our diversity, remembering that it is alright to be White, and White men and women are also participants in that Celebration. You are a part of a more significant legacy!
Yes, despite the shameful part of our history, it’s alright to be White and proud. But you are also called on to be embracing, just, and a part of the future that will reshape us so that it will also be alright to be Black or Brown in America too. May God bless us all as we strive for a more humane society for every generation.