General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Black man blocked from entering NJ gym where hes a paid member and even the cops are confused [View all]EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)"I really, really wish my great great great grandparents had had the opportunity. But it was mandated by law that they be segregated , not only in the South but much of the North as well."
I am so glad you said this because it's such an important point. Segregation and discrimination don't just harm the intended targets. They harm and diminish ALL of us. You missed so much by being cut off by a huge segment of the population. Your ancestors probably missed even more since the segregation of that time not only cut them off, but probably instilled in them certain poisons and made them less than they could have been.
This is one of the reasons I feel so strongly that it is incumbent on white folk to fight racism just as hard and not to sit back and expect us to do all the heavy lifting. When we make our society more open, inclusive and fair, EVERYONE benefits, not just minorities.
So, thank you for saying this and being so willing to be open and honest. I - and I'm sure many others here - really appreciate it! It really does make a difference.