To the editor:

I am not sure where you are getting your data from but how do you know that 98 percent of people in Barrington are not racist? All white people benefit from a racist society even though many are not necessarily aware of this. Of course, not all white people say or act in a way to harm people of color. However, we all need to educate ourselves in order to start breaking down the numerous barriers that people of color experience.  Most people would not openly say they are racist or hold racist beliefs. We need to have the uncomfortable examination of ourselves and white people need to step up in creating an anti-racist climate. So instead of just saying you are not racist act anti-racist, it is incumbent for all of us to speak out when hearing racist comments and not tolerating micro-aggressions against people of color. People of color are tired of trying to explain and fight the racism they live under which was not created by them. I know of many people in our town, myself included, that have experienced racism here, whether overt or as micro-aggressions. Racism is alive and well in Barrington.

In order to start this conversation, it is important for our elected officials to get involved. Elected officials throughout US history were deeply involved in laws, regulations and widespread programs that allowed racism to be institutionalized. Why silence civil servants who want to speak out against a racist action?

Carla Martin, MD

Barrington