So instead of deep cultural identity, many white Americans cling to surface symbols: the flag, the football, the truck, the farm, the jeans. These become stand-ins for heritage. And any questioning of these symbols feels like an attack, not because they are sacred, but because they’re all we’ve got.

As Marcus Garvey warned, we’ve become trees withou... See more

It is not our fault that we were born into a system of white supremacy. It is our responsibility to disrupt that system and change our beliefs and behaviors and teach our kids a new way.

The truth will make us stronger. The truth will help us heal. The truth will set us free. And only the truth will allow us to build something better together.