Leaders must address Fresno’s racial inequities

I am an OWL, old white lady, who attended the Black Lives Matter protest July 13. Protesters were well-behaved, vocal and repetitious in making their points. Like it or not, we “palefaces” have been complicit through intent or ignorance in fostering the present situation.

In looking at the progress that the Gay Rights movement has made the past five years, I believe the gains have been made because most people want to be fair. But to be fair, they must understand the unfairness people of a class have suffered.

The events of recent weeks are eye openers for many of us who enjoy the privilege of “Whiteland.” I hope we are beginning to realize what those in the black community have always known. They are second-class citizens, and that is not right. That is not fair.

Things can change but it will take a mayor and city council willing to listen and a police chief who can avoid escalation.

This story was originally published July 23, 2016 at 1:36 PM with the headline "Leaders must address Fresno’s racial inequities."