Commentary

COMMENTARY: Blacks On White Privilege

NEW JOURNAL AND GUIDE — For many years many Black people have been denied opportunities for no reason other than the color of their skin. I’ve been guilty like many others who said, “It must be nice to have white privilege!” Now, I’m not so sure. I’d rather not have anybody knocking on my door with evidence that I’ve violated the law by cheating somebody to get something I didn’t deserve. In other words, I wouldn’t feel good about stealing something from someone who was more deserving via honest means than I was.

Published

7 years ago

March 29, 2019

Oakland Post

By Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

TriceEdneyWire.com – For many years many Black people have been denied opportunities for no reason other than the color of their skin. I’ve been guilty like many others who said, “It must be nice to have white privilege!” Now, I’m not so sure. I’d rather not have anybody knocking on my door with evidence that I’ve violated the law by cheating somebody to get something I didn’t deserve. In other words, I wouldn’t feel good about stealing something from someone who was more deserving via honest means than I was.

Most of us thought white privilege was a good thing for those with the privilege and never having to worry about their next meal, being able to pay utility bills, being able to pay for medicine they needed, and not worrying about where to find funds to pay for their child’s college education. That must have been nice. I guess white privilege was good while it lasted.

In the last few days, white privilege has come to be a bit uncomfortable. As some of us struggle for everything we’ve ever had in life, we probably slept better not having been the recipient of white privilege. Though some of us have worked to achieve justice and equality all of our lives, we’d rather be in our shoes than in the position of the privileged ones who’re flashed across TV screens for cheating to get their children in so called “good schools.”

We probably feel better that the Russians didn’t help us win an election we didn’t deserve. Those of us without the benefit of white privilege are probably happy that we’re not Michael Flynn, Roger Stone, Michael Cohen, Paul Manafort, Rick Gates—or the occupants in the White House. Just being the daughter of #45, Ivanka and her husband received at least a cool $82 million dollars last year! Now that’s super white privilege, but I still think my clothing are just fine so I don’t need to have white privilege to attract others to buy my brand of clothing while I sweat it out wondering if white privilege might not keep me out of jail for breaking laws.

I feel more comfortable trying to live up to the 10 Commandments, trying to use my resources helping family honestly, serving my community, treating all with respect, honesty and fairness. When I make a mistake, I do all I can to not make any privilege I may have to excuse myself. I asked several Black friends, and none wanted unfair privilege.

One of those with whom I spoke said, “The most phenomenal aspect of white-privilege is that its benefactors are oblivious to it. They get exceptional privileges without the psychological drain of being aware of it. They get a huge dopamine drip as if they accomplished things on their own merit, but did not. Lately, white-privilege has been laid bare. Most cannot fathom how ugly this is going to get. Shame is a much greater burden than pain. Mommy and daddy’s money can’t fix this. The entire system is complicit.

This is the tip of the white-privilege iceberg. It permeates every sector. White-privilege needs its own truth and reconciliation committee, but I won’t hold my breath.”

I studied at two of the “best schools” in the news. I did it the way it should be done. Submit credentials, pay fees, study hard. Do your work once there. Expect nothing you didn’t earn honestly. Pray that you’re judged fairly. Graduate and let your work speak well for you. Those’re not things I learned at the schools in the news now. I learned them at Grambling University, Howard University School of Law, my church and from my mother.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women. www.nationalcongressbw.org. She hosts “Wake Up and Stay Woke” on WPFW-89.3 FM.

This article originally appeared in the New Journal and Guide.

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Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

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2 weeks ago

March 22, 2026

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Advice

Financial Wellness and Mental Health: Managing Money Stress in College 

While everyone’s financial situation is unique, several common sources of stress have the potential to strain your financial health. These include financial and economic uncertainty, existing debts, unexpected expenses, and mental or physical health changes. Financial stress may differ from situation to situation, but understanding the factors contributing to yours may help you begin to craft a plan for your unique circumstances.

Published

2 weeks ago

March 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

As a college student, managing financial responsibilities can be stressful.

If you’ve found yourself staying up late thinking about your finances or just feeling anxious overall about your financial future, you’re not alone. In one survey, 78% of college students who reported financial stress had negative impacts on their mental health, and 59% considered dropping out. While finances can impact overall stress, taking steps to manage your finances can support your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

When it comes to money, the sources of stress may look different for each student, but identifying the underlying causes and setting goals accordingly may help you feel more confident about your financial future.

Consider these strategies to help improve your financial wellness and reduce stress.

Understand what causes financial stress

2. Determine your financial priorities

Start by reflecting on your financial priorities. For students this often includes paying for school or paying off student loans, studying abroad, saving for spring break, building an emergency fund, paying down credit card debt or buying a car. Name the milestones that are most important to you, and plan accordingly.

3. Create a plan and stick to it

While setting actionable goals starts you on the journey to better financial health, it’s essential to craft a plan to follow through. Identifying and committing to a savings plan may give you a greater sense of control over your finances, which may help reduce your stress. Creating and sticking to a budget allows you to better track where your money is going so you may spend less and save more.

4. Pay down debt

Many students have some form of debt and want to make progress toward reducing their debt obligations. One option is the debt avalanche method, which focuses on paying off your debt with the highest interest rate first, then moving on to the debt with the next-highest interest rate. Another is the debt snowball method, which builds momentum by paying off your smallest debt balance, and then working your way up to the largest amounts.

5. Build your financial resilience

Some financial stress may be inevitable, but building financial resilience may allow you to overcome obstacles more easily. The more you learn about managing your money, for instance, the more prepared you’ll feel if the unexpected happens. Growing your emergency savings also may increase resilience since you’ll be more financially prepared to cover unexpected expenses or pay your living expenses.

6. Seek help and support

Many colleges have resources to help students experiencing financial stress, like financial literacy courses or funds that provide some assistance for students in need. Talk to your admissions counselor or advisor about your concerns, and they can direct you to sources of support. Your school’s counseling center can also be a great resource for mental health assistance if you’re struggling with financial stress.

The bottom line

Financial stress can affect college students’ health and wellbeing, but it doesn’t have to derail your dreams. Setting smart financial goals and developing simple plans to achieve them may help ease your stress. Revisit and adjust your plan as needed to ensure it continues to work for you, and seek additional support on campus as needed to help keep you on track.

 JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC