My White Privilege
As a presenting white woman, engaging in racial justice and anti-racism work has been a powerful and transformative experience. When I first committed myself to begin doing the work, I never would have anticipated how my life would be enhanced through the world of anti-racism and anti-oppression.
Growing up in Cranford, a predominantly white community, I was not exposed to the realities of racism and its impact on people of color. Living in Jersey City until 12 gave me much more awareness, but I was too young to have a true effect. However, as I have grown older and started to educate myself on these issues, I have come to understand my privilege and how I have benefitted from a system that is inherently racist. This awareness has been crucial in my growth as a person. It has helped me be more mindful and intentional in my actions, relationships, and roles as a mother, yoga practitioner, therapist, and entrepreneur.
As a mother, engaging in racial justice and anti-racism work has helped me understand how my children are shaped by the same system I have benefitted from. It has also made me more committed to raising my children in a way that they learn to recognize and challenge racism and actively work toward creating a more just and equitable society. I have intentionally shown and engaged them with diverse communities, books, movies, and other forms of media that present different perspectives and experiences. I have also made sure to talk to them about racism, privilege, and discrimination and teach them how to ally with people who have been historically oppressed. Hearing my child understand the impacts of racism or celebrating women like Ruby Bridges has been some of the most meaningful conversations I have had with a 6 year old.
As a yoga practitioner, anti-racism work has helped me to understand how yoga, as it is traditionally practiced in the West, has been co-opted and commercialized and has also been used to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about people of color. (This is why I no longer say Namaste at the end of class too.) This has led me to be more intentional about hosting workshops and reading books with the book club that works to dismantle racism within the yoga community. This also includes looking for teachers actively working towards creating more inclusive and diverse spaces.
As a therapist, racial justice and anti-racism work have helped me to understand how racism can contribute to mental health issues and have made me more committed to providing trauma-informed care that recognizes the impact of racism on my clients. It has also made me more aware of my biases and how my privilege can impact the therapy process. As a result, I have been committed to ongoing education and training to understand and address these issues better.
As an entrepreneur, racial justice and anti-racism work have helped me understand how my business can contribute to or undermine racial equity and has made me more committed to creating a business that actively promotes racial justice. This includes actively seeking out and working with contractors, partners, and employees that are people of color and also making sure to support and invest in the communities in which my business operates. In addition, we work with our consultant, Tamu Lane, monthly to help guide us in the best way possible to be an anti-racist organization. I am committed to creating an inclusive and equitable work environment that values diversity and promotes equity.
Engaging in racial justice and anti-racism work has been a humbling and enlightening experience. It has helped me understand my white privilege and how I have benefitted from a system that is inherently racist. Acknowledging my white privilege does not take away from my work ethic or deny my hard work. Instead, it allows me to see that a black woman can work twice as hard and receive half as much. It helps expand my awareness of inequities in our world.
Racial justice work has also helped me be more mindful and intentional in my actions, relationships, and roles. I understand that this is an ongoing process that requires constant learning, self-reflection, and action. I understand that I will never be culturally competent and that is ok. I am committed to continuing this journey and using my privilege and position to contribute to a more just and equitable society.
If you want to begin this work or be supported by a space that celebrates your existence, join us! We offer several different opportunities to engage with the work. From conscious conversations to book club and Race Amity Day, we welcome you to be a part of our space!