"Dear White Friends: I am Still a Black Woman"

Dear White Friends,

I hope this message finds you well and thriving. Today, I come to you with an open heart and a sincere desire to strengthen the beautiful bond we share across our diverse backgrounds. Our friendship means the world to me, and I deeply value the love and connection we have nurtured over time, celebrating both our shared experiences and unique perspectives.

As you know, I am Black, and my identity is an integral part of who I am. I want to take a moment to share my thoughts and experiences with you, and I ask for your kindness and understanding as I do so. My intention is not to create any divisions or barriers between us, but rather to invite you into my world and provide insight into my reality, just as I am eager to learn about yours.

It is important to me that you hear me without feeling the need to edit, debate, or challenge my lived testimony. My story is a reflection of my unique journey, shaped by the experiences and challenges I have faced as a Black individual. Just as I wholeheartedly respect your experiences as Caucasians, I ask for the same in return.

Proverbs 21:13 teaches us, "Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered." By listening to my story with empathy and an open heart, you are showing me that my voice matters, that my experiences are valid, and that you value me as a friend, regardless of our different backgrounds. It's not about assigning blame or guilt, but about fostering deeper understanding and connection.

Our friendship holds immense potential to grow stronger as we honor and respect each other's narratives. I believe that by engaging in conversations that embrace our differences, we can create an environment of learning and empathy. My hope is that these conversations will lead us to a place where we can stand united, celebrating our unique identities and backgrounds, including our experiences as Black and Caucasian individuals.

I understand that my experiences may be unfamiliar to you, and I am more than willing to share and educate, just as I'm eager to learn from you. Let's journey together as allies, committed to celebrating our individual stories and supporting each other in our quest for a more compassionate and inclusive world.

Thank you for being treasured friends. Your willingness to engage in this dialogue means a lot to me, and I am excited about the opportunity to continue deepening our bond through these meaningful conversations.

With heartfelt appreciation and warm regards,

Dr. Karen Sturtevant