Dear Marley K,

Your readings mean a lot to me. As a white woman, attempting to aware myself of the racism I don't experience myself, your courage and ability to unapologetically call out and shed a spotlight on systemic racism is so essential.

Today and yesterday, I was listening to some black friends of mine talk about how what has been happening in their lives, and so much I was able to reference, in my head, what they were talking about with points you had written about. It felt really good that I could listen to them, and connect it to concepts that were foreign to me a year ago.

I know, it's not your job to educate me, it's mine. But to be honest, I feel listening to you, it does something. Sometimes, often actually it's hard because I do want to defend my good white self, to somehow claim in my own woke contest, that I am one of the good ones, that I'm not racist. But the honesty and directness of your writing wakes up my soul a bit, and makes me remember, that I have to be willing to confront the racism in our lives and in myself. I have to admit and take responsibility whenever I have taken part in racism around me, even if I didn't realize I was doing it, even if I only passively took part, even if it was just a moment, even if I can't handle the shame and guilt I feel for ending up in places of my white privilege at the expense of African Americans. It happens, and I have to recognize it, and admit it and call it out.

Your writing gives me the courage and a vehicle to do that. I don't mean to put you in a place where I expect you to be my teacher, or assume it's somehow your job or responsibility to teach me, but your words are powerful and please know they have made a difference in my life and how I think about race.

Thank you.