Why Black Lives Matter is More Than Just a Movement: An Open Letter to White America

Dear White America,

From the moment you are born black in America, you are different. At first, you see it in toys, books, movies, and tv shows. The heroes of the story never look like you. Then you begin to see it in the ways the world interacts with you. You see it in the strangers who go out of their way to tell you how articulate you are. You see it in the teachers who are consistently surprised when you outperform your white classmates. And finally, you are confronted with overt displays of racism. Often before you fully understand the meaning of the word. For me, the first time was an elderly white gentleman who screamed at me for sitting in the front of the bus. When I tell that story, the white folks in the room almost always drop their jaws in shock. They can't believe something like that would happen in our world today. Here is where we encounter the first of many issues. The majority of white Americans believe overt racism is a thing of the past. The reality is overt racism is as prevalent today as it was 400 years ago. It's woven into every aspect of our society.

Growing up in a country that labels you as a threat from birth is heartbreaking. You feel the discrimination in the managers that follow you through the store when you shop. You see members of your community wrongfully incarcerated, and murdered. You see justice for those actions denied repeatedly. After 17-year-old Trayvon Martin's murderer George Zimmerman was acquitted, we reached our breaking point. The Black Lives Matter movement was born. Their mission, the eradication of white supremacy, and the creation of a world where we can focus on joy instead of fear. As soon as we made our voices heard, white Americans had something to say. They shouted back all lives matter, refusing to acknowledge the systematic racism that repeatedly targeted the black community. When we shared this countries history of white privilege, again white America rebelled.

This pattern has not gone unnoticed. Every time the black community in the country comes together to demand change, white America finds a way to invalidate us. Even now, in 2020, white America is still making excuses. The graphic and devastating murder of George Floyd stunned the majority of white Americans silent. When they found their voices again, most of them responded with typical and infuriating disbelief. Comments like "I can't believe this is happening" is proof that our pain has never penetrated your world. And when the initial shockwaves died down, familiar patterns began resurfacing. Now white America is making excuses for the police. Comments along the lines of "not all cops" are surfacing. Again white America is refusing to acknowledge the systematic racism that has always been prevalent in the police force since its creation.

That's not to say that I don't see the members of white America who have stepped up. The individuals who are speaking out against the injustices. The people who are amplifying black narratives. However, as a black woman living in a country that STILL refuses to acknowledge the sanctity of my life, I feel the need to be brutally honest. Sharing our posts on social media and protesting in your community is a start, but it is not enough. It is your responsibility to educate yourselves. It is your responsibility to support the black community with more than words. It is your responsibility to use your privilege to advance the cause. The exploitation of African Americans that built this country is still present today.

If you are white in America today, you inherently benefit from the institution that is white supremacy. To dismantle it, you will have to give up privileges you believe are rights. Coming to that realization will not be easy. Many of your friends and family will not take kindly to that realization. But without it, history is doomed to repeat itself. Without white America stepping up and taking responsibility for the centuries of injustice it has inflicted against the black community, individuals who value power and control over justice and equality will continue to hold the reins. I should not have to be afraid that I or someone I love will become the next George Floyd or Beyonna Taylor. I should not have to fight to convince you that my life matters. The time has come to step up white America. Silence is complicity. As individuals living in what is supposed to be the most progressive era of humanity, I can only hope you've learned from the sins of your ancestors. And that you're ready to do better.

Yours from the frontlines of the revolution,

Tsegeroman Fatou Doumbia Mebrahtu