by Jeff Hitchcock

The recent demonstration in Jena, Louisiana has led to discussion around the country about the absence of white faces. Reports from the event claim that only 1 person out of 100 was white. From this fact, some people have concluded that white people are absent in the struggle for racial justice.

White people, as recipients of privilege, are difficult to organize around issues of racial justice. How could it be otherwise? If white people were on the ball in mass, ready to fight against racism at every instance, then the struggle would be significantly on its way to victory. True, everyone would have to change. But the problem is, and always has been, white folks.

Sometimes the lack of response seems close at hand. The last WACANupdate included a link for replies to the editorial. Around 1,000 people receive the WACANupdate. No one replied. Is anyone out there?

The answer is "yes." The work among white anti-racists continues, and slowly grows among the grassroots. Education and consciousness-raising, the formation of local white anti-racist groups, building of alliances with people of color-these activities continue. On WACAN.org itself there seems to be an up tick in discussions in the forums.

Still, one has to wonder, when is the movement going to begin moving? People of color historically have led the struggle for racial justice. It should be no surprise the black community took the matter into their hands in Jena. Now people are beginning to ask, when and how soon will the white anti-racist movement become a visible ally?

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Who do you feel carried the struggle for racial justice forward in history? Log into WACAN.org and nominate that person, or persons, to WACAN Hall of Remembrance and Commemoration.

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