Thanks for your comment, Elle, and sorry I didn’t get a response to you sooner! I feel like America is looking more like you and your child every generation, and that’s a good thing — our varied heritages represent what makes our nation great. I just don’t believe any systemic racism is keeping me — or anyone else, brown or otherwise — from not only achieving our own goals but helping others to achieve theirs, too. Progression, as you point out, IS moving alongside history, and gaining on it — meaning real change, I believe, comes generationally, not by protest and ire.

That’s frustrating, for sure. But it doesn’t have to keep any of us from thriving. Human rights victories in our history are significant, but while legislative wins make headlines, it’s what you and I do in our every day that helps make a difference, too. Does my perception of my success in some areas serve me? Of course. Can I do well for myself and also contribute to the hopes of others? I sure hope so. I’m not special by any means, but I do advocate for people in various causes and plights that are meaningful to me. I’m encouraged that others are doing the same — thriving in their own right, but also looking around them to see who they can bring with them.

Victory can come without victims. I wouldn’t sleep well at night if all I did was look out for myself.

Thanks again for your insight!