The screams of past racism echo through the centuries and bounce off the racism that is alive and well during the 21st century. I have come to understand that the “times they are a-changing and then again they’re not.” Racism is embedded, though we may wish it were not, in the fabric of our nation. It is a part of our legacy, our national policies, institutional practices and cultural representations — many of which still prevail. It is what the Aspen Institute Roundtable on Community Change and others call structural racism. (www.tinyurl.com/mkmozyh.) The institute is working with OneJax, The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, the Human Rights Commission and other community leaders to change the story of race in Jacksonville. In the course of our history, the white group enslaved African-Americans and other darker skinned human beings in a reprehensible manner. The economy of this nation is built on their shoulders. There were no black folks’ signatures on the Constitution. In fact, they were property — most of them did not know how to read and write in English and teaching them was against the law. I didn’t see this in my history books. When I really allow myself to take this in and consider what my ancestors did to a whole group of people, I know I am a recovering racist. How could I be anything else? I feel that truth deep in my bones. MY WHITE PRIVILEGES What does all this mean in terms of how we live our everyday lives — where we go to school, our medical care, our employment and housing? There are privileges we white folks have — not earned privileges — but just because our skin is white. I know I have these privileges. See if you find yourself here:In the morning when I stand in front of the mirror brushing my teeth, I won’t think about how many times I will be disrespected that day because of my race. My grandchildren learn how their race contributed to the making of this nation in every history class, not just during Black History Month. If I am visiting my friend who lives in Sawgrass and I happen to be wearing a hoodie, I won’t be stalked and killed like Trayvon Martin. No one will say to me, “Either learn to speak English or go back where you came from.”When I am stopped by the police for speeding, I won’t be asked by the cop if I have drugs in my car. As I am 68, it’s not likely I will play my music too loudly in my car with the bass creating its own sound waves. And if by chance I do, I won’t be called a thug and shot and killed like Jordan Davis. I will not be called on to be a credit to my entire race but will be judged by my individual accomplishments. When I go into the convenience store just before it closes to get that half gallon of milk for tomorrow’s cereal, it probably won’t cross the clerk’s mind that I am there to rob him. WHAT IS TO BE DONEI have had close friends — well educated, goodhearted, upstanding white folks — say to me: “Give me a break. This no longer happens.” Yes. It does, every day. My friends of color share their experiences with me. I have been there when it happens. Racism is alive and well. It’s painful for people of color to deal with this day in and day out. It’s the truth. I am a recovering racist. I invite other white people to join me:■ To be responsible to learn all we can. ■ To speak up at the dinner table when a racist joke is told. ■ To express our views when the “N” word is used. ■ To join activist groups (those listed above and others) These are small things we can do as individuals to help shift the power so that the oppression is lifted and change is created — so there is truly room for all of us. I believe this is possible. Bobbie O’Connor is president of Bobbie G. O’Connor & Associates and former executive director of OneJax.