Tonight, I would like to speak specifically to the white people of America about their dreams and fears for the future. Especially their fears.
There can be no doubt that white people are disproportionately responsible for the success of this nation. They were the first colonists–at least the first voluntary ones. They fought and died for their new country in the Revolution. They wrote the Declaration and the Constitution. They settled the country and developed it. Some of them fought and died to free the nation from slavery–a sacrifice we should never forget. They were primarily responsible for winning the world wars and the Cold War. The country owes them a huge debt of gratitude.
But white people are not the whole story of America. People of color shaped our nation in too many ways, and too profoundly, to describe in a short speech of this nature. Just to mention one thing, our music would be entirely different today, and far less popular, without the contributions of African-Americans. America without people of color would not be America–it would be something far less interesting, and an idea that is infinitely less powerful.
I’m here tonight to tell you that you have nothing to fear from me. I have nothing but respect for your culture and your contributions to this country. I’m also here to tell you, however, that you are not the default for the country. People of color, including me, are not interlopers; we have every bit as much right to be here and call ourselves Americans as you do. We will never have harmony and justice in this country until you accept that fact. It’s not too much to ask.
America is not a melting pot. Nor is it a piece of white paper only given some definition by colored lines. It’s a mosaic, and every color in it has its place. Including yours.
Thank you, and good night.