The Widespread Removal of Black Officials Exposes How Racism Still Operates in Plain Sight

In 1986, as a graduate student in theater arts at UCLA, a white professor accused me of submitting a plagiarized term paper. I was shocked; I was knowledgeable and had years of writing experience. I actively participated in discussions, and I felt we had a connection. However, the professor dismissed my work, citing my supposed inability to “speak well” as evidence of my inferiority. This unsettling encounter exemplified racism's pervasive ignorance, manifesting even at a supposedly liberal institution.Fast forward to 2025, and we see a disturbing continuation of this antiblack sentiment in the actions of the Trump administration. Executive orders aimed at expelling Black individuals from governmental positions signify a broader, systemic attempt to undermine racial justice. The consequences are profound, affecting not just the integrity of government but the core of American democracy. As leaders face unfounded dismissals, it becomes evident that the struggle for equity remains a pivotal battleground in our society.