I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness

by Austin Channing Brown

“I don’t know what to do with what I’ve learned,” she said. “I can’t fix your pain, and I can’t take it away, but I can see it. And I can work for the rest of

my life to make sure your children don’t have to experience the pain of racism.” And then she said nine words that I’ve never forgotten: “Doing nothing is no longer an option for me.”

Thirty minutes into this conversation, I realize I am answering questions about Black music, a news segment on “urban violence” she saw the other night, and something her adopted Black nephew said the other day. She emphasizes the word black, clearly not used to saying the word. I am tired. I am not sure what led us here. The message: I am here to educate my white co-workers when they are confused about a racial issue in their lives.