Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Politics and Activism

I Never Recognized My Privilege Until I Realized How Lucky I Am To Be Able To Go For A Run

Being black should not be a death sentence.

Lauren Auleciems

May 09, 2020

University of Wisconsin, Madison

213

I Never Recognized My Privilege Until I Realized How Lucky I Am To Be Able To Go For A Run

https://www.nytimes.com/article/ahmaud-arbery-time...

I am someone who genuinely enjoys outdoor runs. Running has always been something that relaxes me and helps me cope with the stress of everyday life. Usually, when I'm running, I only have to worry about running in unfamiliar areas and avoiding running outside after dusk. Never in my life have I ever imagined the idea of having to worry about my life on a run.

Ahmaud Arbery was 25 when he was murdered in late February in a neighborhood near Brunswick, Georgia. Ahmaud was a former high school athlete and an avid runner. While on a run on February 23, Ahmaud was chased down and killed by two white men.

The men who shot Ahmaud believed he was responsible for recent break-ins that had been occurring in their neighborhood. When they spotted Ahmaud out on a run, they proceeded to grab their guns and pursue him. Ahmaud was innocent and unarmed.

It took nearly two months for Ahmaud's story to make national news and for the men responsible for his death to be arrested.

It is heartbreaking that a young man with so much potential was murdered based on his race. It is even more heartbreaking that it took two months for the McMichaels to be arrested and for the case to make headlines.

Ahmaud's death is a sign that things need to change in our country. In an effort to bring awareness to the case and to honor Ahmaud, many people around the country participated in the #IRunWithMaud event on Friday, May 8th. Runners shared photos of them completing a 2.23-mile run to honor Ahmaud on what would have been his 26th birthday.

Ahmaud's story has caused me to reflect on my own life quite a bit. There have been many instances in my life where I have not even realized my privilege. It can be easy to forget about how different everyday life can be when you haven't had to face the same situations as others due to privilege.

We need to start recognizing our individual privileges and addressing unjust situations so we can move forward towards a better future.

If I've learned anything it's that I will never take my ability to go for a run for granted again.

From Your Site Articles

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

33483

Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less

best beatles lyrics

Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College

96945

college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

waitlisted

Recommended for you

I Never Recognized My Privilege Until I Realized How Lucky I Am To Be Able To Go For A Run

Being black should not be a death sentence.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Politics and Activism

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter