This is my first year at Daemen College and, of course, coming to a new school and meeting new people in a new state the question, “where are you from?”, always seems to come up, whether it’s because someone notices my slight southern accent or just in conversation. I have always been proud to say I am from Louisville, Kentucky, and normally the first thing people think of are the University of Louisville Cardinals, Muhammad Ali, the Kentucky Derby, or sometimes Louisville Slugger. This year is very different. I tell people where I am from the first thing that comes to their minds is Breonna Taylor and her case. It’s hard for me because Louisville is such a great city, but in the world, known for something so terrible.
What happened to Breonna Taylor is a tragedy. She deserves for everyone to know her name, and in my opinion, be in history books. I want people that aren’t from Louisville to know that Breonna Taylor and her case unified people of different cultures, races, and backgrounds. People marched in her name and protested for a common cause: justice. What happened to Breonna Taylor and the outcome of her case opened people’s eyes around the country, but I believe it shouldn’t take a black woman being shot for people to start recognizing, understanding, and believing in the injustices people of color have experienced in this country. After what happened to Breonna Taylor, I want more people to acknowledge that for years, decades even, non-minorities (white people/those who aren’t of color) have turned a blind eye to the tragedies against people of color in this country. I think what disappointed me the most after what happened to Breonna Taylor was the lack of recognition some had for the notion of white privilege. I remember scrolling on Twitter and reading some of the tweets on my feed, and the feelings of helplessness, sadness, and disappointment overwhelmed me when I saw many tweets and retweets that just refused to recognize racism and white privilege in the United States.
For me, after the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, I recognized more than ever white privilege and racism exist. I am a white girl who grew up going to private catholic schools, as many others can relate to, but I have never been close to experiencing what black people face in our country. The first step in creating change is being aware of the problem, and I think the circumstances of Breonna Taylor’s death inspired people all over Louisville and the whole nation to make a change. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and MANY others started the conversation of white privilege and racism this country so desperately needed.
In my opinion, posting a black screen on Instagram and reposting Instagram posts on your story is not enough to make a change. The answer lies in educating yourself on what white privilege and racism are, and having the self-awareness to ask yourself, does this apply to me; do I do this; can I be better; what can I do to end racism and white privilege? The only way to change the way you think is to be honest with yourself. Be honest to your friends and family by standing up to a racist comment made or recognizing a white privilege they don’t see or understand. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Do the small things that will help create the change our country desperately needs.
