Kelela is the latest person to come forward with a very strong message about racism in America and the role white people have in forming allies and eliminating the white privilege that permeates society.
"People who are not black need to be listening (not talking or making suggestions) right now," Kelela opened her note. "White people: ask your close black friends how you can support them…ask them what they need. If they're over answering that question' Google 'white privilege' and learn about it."
The thoughtful note then explains on exactly what people can do to alleviate the struggles from life, offering up concrete solutions like communicating your feelings to others, and listening when others respond or call you out on certain things. "I think it's time for white people to own the about-face and complacency they are a part of every day. One of my mentors (that happens to be white) once said that racism isn't POC's problem to solve. That if we want white supremacy to be over, white people would have to give up the power/privilege."
Kelela is just one of many people publicly outcrying the tragic deaths of Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott at the hands of police officers. Despite the many conflicting stories surrounding Crutcher's death, other public figures are stepping forward to discuss the bigger issue of police brutality at hand.
"They shot and killed a man and walked around like it wasn't a human being," Colin Kaepernick, who has been at the forefront headlines recently for his peaceful, non-violent protests about the treatment of blacks in America, told reporters. "That's not right. And they should be in prison for that." Warriors head coach Steve Kerr added to the discussion, noting that every American should be "disgusted" by the killing of unarmed black people.
The statement from Kelela is one more well-articulated and thoughtful note that is absolutely worth your time to read, which you can do below.
