Submitted by Khara Harkness
I am part of the 75% of white people that occupy Coronado.
Coronado is currently at a complete stop. COVID19 is rapidly spreading across the world causing Americans to quarantine. Unemployment is at an all-time high of 14.7% and remaining 6 feet apart is a social norm. Your favorite stores and restaurants are closed indefinitely, and you are getting fined for reading on the beach. As we are staying safe in our households, Black Americans are being brutalized by the police.
This is not news. We see faces and names displayed on our phones of Black Americans who have died at the hands of peacekeepers. What is different now? You can no longer ignore these despicable murders. Americans are outraged and are demonstrating in your backyard.
If you feel uncomfortable as a white person discussing racism but are quick to condemn rioters causing property damage, you are part of the problem. I will never understand the extent of my white privilege. What I will vow to do is listen and learn from Black Americans and be more than just an ally, be anti-racist.
Coronado residents: educate yourself on racism and white privilege, donate to organizations such as Black Lives Matter, sign petitions, vote for leaders who care, be vocal and make others listen. It is our duty to use our privilege as a platform to make Coronado be better and to make America be better.
Khara Harkness
