It was becoming clear to me a few years ago that staying quiet on issues of race was no longer going to be enough, as a white woman benefitting from privilege.  I have long had an interest in civil rights and social justice issues, and I am fortunate now to have relationships with many people of color.  According to Robert Jones of the Public Religion Research Institute, I am unusual in that regard.  His 2014 study found that a full 75 percent of whites have “entirely white social networks without any minority presence”.  The same is true for almost two-thirds of black Americans.  

While I do not deserve any awards for having broadened my social network, it certainly would not have been difficult for me to stay mostly in white social circles.  I grew up in Middle Tennessee, went to a southern women’s college where there were few students of color and then worked in the U.S. Congress in the 90’s when there were very few Members or staffers of color.   My expanded group of friends is something that has evolved as I have broadened my network while living in Atlanta over more than twenty years through my hobbies and community work as well as my kids’ schools and sports.  At this point, however, when I return to my old haunts and find myself in a room of almost all white people, I find it unnerving and unnatural.  As I have reached middle age, I have placed more importance on becoming friends with people of shared values.  While still mostly white, my social circle has gotten more diverse – and more rewarding – over time. 

When the events of May and June 2020, in particular the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Rayshard Brooks, resulted in protests against police brutality and racial inequality, I sought to figure out a way to participate despite the global pandemic.  I knew from many white friends and family members that I was not alone in wanting to do more and to take action to help move our country toward a more equitable society.  

I have been nervous about how to go about this project. I recognize that I have much more growth to do personally. I will likely say something wrong or offend someone unintentionally. I am cognizant that I have benefitted from privilege. At times, it will be uncomfortable and messy. But I believe strongly that we must step into this uncomfortable space, have dialogue and learn from each other in order to make progress.

I started interviewing many of my black friends and asking probing and very personal questions about their experiences with law enforcement and racial discrimination.  And I tried to really listen.  Much of what they told me was surprising, and some was just plain uncomfortable to hear.  Not all of my black friends see these issues in the same way.  I decided to find a way to amplify their voices and their experiences.  In collaboration with these friends and with gratitude to them, I present these profiles as Worthwhile Voices.