Dear White People,

North Carolina State University is 5% African-American or black.

Approximately 13% of the American population is African-American, but they make up 35% of jail inmates, and 37% of prison inmates of the 2.2 million male inmates as of 2014.

African-Americans own the highest poverty rate, 27.4 percent, followed by Hispanics at 26.6 percent and whites at 9.9 percent.

Knowing these statistics, it is undeniably true that white privilege exists and that systems of oppression geared towards people of color in America exist.  I feel that in the two previous articles ran by the Technician, “’Dear White People’ signs fail to address real problems” and “UAB’s ‘Dear White People’ discussion prompts race dialogue”, painted UAB’s event labeled “Dear White People,” with seemingly negative undertones. I believe that this is unjust.

I have seen how hard UAB has worked in my time at NCSU. I have seen this group care for others beyond the norm. I have met and interacted with many members of UAB. But, I have also seen the racism behind this school and the prejudice of many students; racism and prejudices that were swept under the rug of diversity and acceptance NCSU attempts to sell.

Although the article titled, “’Dear White People’ signs fail to address real problems” mentioned the negative comments via Wolf Pack Students, it failed to shine a light on the positive and inquisitive ones. It’s these comments that are meaningful to the undeniable success of this event.

UAB’s event WAS successful. The goal of this project was to get people talking towards learning, to make people uncomfortable for just a moment, and to have students address their own deep prejudices. UAB’s event was successful in its goal to teach others to open up and to get uncomfortable in their own skin. UAB was successful in screaming out that this is how many of that 5% here at NCSU feel.

As a white woman, I appreciate this event, and hope to see similar ones. Even as someone who considers themselves an ally to the Black Community, these learning opportunities mean so much to me.

Kate Puricz, sophomore studying fashion and textile management