Of course you don't understand systematic racism. Why would you?

"I don't understand, we had a Black President."
"I don't see color."
"Look at Oprah, Michael Jordan, Tyler Perry or Beyoncé, they made it, they are successful."
"Dr. Will look at you, you pulled yourself up from your bootstraps."
"I think this whole thing of racism is BLOWN OUT OF PROPORTION, it's not like it use to be."

​These are common statements I hear often from well intended individuals. And I must admit, on the surface it may be hard to see. I mean if you are looking for racism to look like this picture. Then you are right, things "Look Different."

Many don't understand the term "Systematic Racism" and to be honest, why would they.
If you are part of the majority and you go in for a job interview and you don't get the job, you just say to yourself "Someone more qualified beat me out." With no further thoughts.
You never have to consider concerns such as....
*My name being a factor
*My hairstyle being a factor
*My Skin color being a factor
If you go look for a house, you have the ability to look in any neighborhood you choose.
You never have to concern yourself with...
*Maybe you should look elsewhere
*You may not qualify for this house
And you have probably never had anyone say to you "Maybe you would like a neighborhood a little more urban."

What does your neighborhood look like? Does everyone there pretty much look the same? If so, have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Are there really no Latino, African Americans or other minorities that can afford to live in my neighborhood?
*Are there really no qualified minorities that can lead Fortune 500 Companies (Currently 4 Black and fewer than 25 minorities run Fortune 500 Companies)
*Are there really no qualified Military Leaders of Color. (The rarity of blacks in the top ranks is apparent in one startling statistic: Only one of the 38 four-star generals or admirals serving as of May was black. And just 10 black men have ever gained four-star rank). READ THAT, 10 IN OVER 150 YEARS.

Ask yourself, why is my country club, church, spa, gym, etc. all white or mostly white. Ask yourself, the last house party I had, what was the mix like? It's very easy to overlook systematic racism when you never have to experience it. Honestly, how would you know? You wouldn't, that's why it's important to listen. Not to say "They are just complaining." They are making a big deal out of nothing." "They are playing the race card."

Here is a prime example of systematic racism.....
The Government provides through it's National Minority Supplier Development Council Certification an opportunity to gain access to Government Contracts and to work with major companies for "Minority Owned Businesses." On the "Surface" it looks like a great opportunity. And myself and many other business owners I know have taking advantage of the program. 

But here is the issue. To qualify as a Minority Owned Business, you must own 51% of your company. All business owners know that raising CAPITAL is a huge part of growing and sustaining your business. From the start as a Minority Owner I lose leverage because I can only offer 49% shares of my company and still be considered the majority owner.

Jeff Bezos of Amazon only owns 11%. He is able to offer 90% of shares and still be viewed as Majority Owner. He can raise more capital than me, which gives him a huge ADVANTAGE.
The bank would require me to put more of my personal money up. In short, if i needed to raise 1 million dollars, I would have to bring to the table $500,000 and Jeff would need to only bring $100,000. SEE THE HUGE DIFFERENCE THERE.

As a White person you wouldn't know that, why would you need to know that? So when someone tries to explain it to you, listen. Don't think, they're not willing to work hard, or they're just making excuses. There are polices in place to make it difficult for Minorities to succeed. When Blacks and other minorities say we not only have to work hard like everyone else, but we have to work EXTRA HARD. These are the obstacles and circumstances we are referring to. 

The first Black President had to graduate from Columbia University, Harvard University. His wife had to graduate from Princeton and Harvard for them to even get SERIOUS consideration.
Where others who have held this position were average at best.

Blacks and other minorities don't get to be average and succeed in America. That's called "White Privilege." Yes, it is true, you were not a slave owner, and I was not a slave. But neither of us can afford to ignore the impact of this ugly time in OUR history.

I truly believe the majority of individuals are good people. This is not a Black only fight, or a minority only fight. It will take a collective effort from everyone. If you are truly not a racist and you believe America is a great country for all it's CITIZENS, you need to join the fight.

The best place to start is with yourself, your family and community and say "Why does it look like this?"
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Remember, We are Better Together!
~Dr. Will Moreland