06/19/2026
Today, I want to take a moment to honor the countless White Americans throughout history who chose courage over comfort, justice over acceptance, and humanity over hatred.
When we talk about the painful history of slavery, segregation, and racism in America, it’s important to remember the full story. There were White men and women who stood beside African Americans when it was dangerous to do so. Some opened their homes to those escaping slavery. Some marched, protested, voted, taught, donated, spoke out, and risked their livelihoods. Some were beaten, threatened, imprisoned, and even lost their lives because they believed that freedom and equality belonged to everyone.
History often remembers the wrongs committed, and those wrongs should never be forgotten. But we should also remember those who stood against them. They remind us that people are not defined solely by the actions of others who look like them. Good people have existed in every race, just as prejudice has existed in every race.
It is heartbreaking to see so much division and racism still circulating online today. We have made tremendous progress as a nation, yet there is still work to do. The answer has never been more hate. The answer has always been people of different backgrounds choosing to stand together, listen to one another, and recognize each other’s humanity.
To those White Americans of the past and present who have stood up for equality, fairness, and human dignity—thank you. Your courage helped move this country forward. Your actions remind us that real change happens when ordinary people refuse to be silent in the face of injustice.
May we continue building a future where we honor the struggles of the past, learn from them, and choose unity over division. We are strongest when we stand together.
