A Difficult Journey

I’m on a journey, as I imagine many white people are right now, of learning and understanding how I am part of the problem of systemic racism in our world and what I can do about it.

There are no frills, no pretty flowers to soften the harsh truth. I must walk this difficult path to improve myself and my world.

It’s a stark and painful journey, with shame that burns and makes me want to stop.

There is nothing to hide behind.

No shortcuts, no easier route.

All around me is the evidence of my own white privilege.

But it’s a necessary journey, I need to follow this trail to the end, no matter how far away that might feel.

I hope that as I and others walk this path, the skies will brighten, and new growth will come.

And we won’t stop this journey, even when it looks like things are getting better, we must continue to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

This post was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, and the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #100 – the long and winding road, as well as by the thoughts and words welling up within this white-privileged heart of mine.

If you would like to take action as a white person, here are some ways you can help. If you’d like to join me in educating yourself, you might want to read (and work on) Me and White Supremacy: How to Recognise Your Privilege, Combat Racism and Change the World by Layla Saad (Amazon link).