Systemic racism needs to be unlearned

Corrie Wilder

As a white, able-bodied, cis-gendered woman, I was raised to believe that racism was overt prejudice against an individual because of race. I’m learning that systemic racism runs much deeper. It is better defined as a power hierarchy – a web of institutional power and oppression based on skin color. Acknowledging the power of whiteness in our society and using that knowledge to pursue equity and justice for everyone can build the strength and stamina for systemic change.