Throughout American history, whites have played a significant

In the vast sweep of human history, there are moments when the tides of oppression seem unmovable, when the forces of injustice cast long shadows over the lives of the oppressed. Yet, as Jesse Lee Peterson so profoundly states—"Throughout American history, whites have played a significant role in helping blacks secure freedom and equality"—there lies a truth that has often been obscured by the darker chapters of history. In the story of America, the struggle for freedom and equality was not fought solely by the oppressed but by the brave and just-hearted allies who, regardless of their own backgrounds, stood side by side with those seeking justice. Peterson’s words remind us that even amidst the greatest divisions, moments of unity and solidarity have emerged to bring about profound change.

In the ancient world, the concept of justice was not solely a matter of the oppressed fighting for their rights but also a matter of allies standing with them. The Greek philosophers, most notably Plato and Aristotle, spoke of justice not as a concept isolated to the self but as a principle that binds society together. Justice was the balance of rights for all people, regardless of their station in life. They believed that a society could only thrive when its citizens worked together, united by the cause of virtue and equality. In this sense, the story of America’s fight for freedom is not just about the struggles of the enslaved, but also about the actions of those—like the abolitionists—who helped pave the way for justice, despite the costs to their own lives and fortunes.

Take, for example, the heroic tale of Harriet Tubman, a former slave who risked her life countless times to lead enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Tubman’s bravery is legendary, but it was not only the actions of enslaved people like her that changed the course of American history. White abolitionists like William Lloyd Garrison, John Brown, and Frederick Douglass, who was born into slavery but rose to become a powerful voice for the oppressed, worked tirelessly alongside black leaders to secure the freedom and equality that America’s founding ideals promised. These allies—whites and blacks alike—fought not as separate forces, but as united champions of justice. John Brown, for instance, sacrificed his life to ignite a greater movement for freedom, proving that the battle for equality transcended race and was a shared responsibility.

The journey toward civil rights did not end with the abolition of slavery, and whites continued to play a significant role in helping blacks secure freedom and equality through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. **The story of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of immense courage, but also of the collective strength of a society that rallied to support them. White allies, such as Clara Luper, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, and Andrew Goodman, a Jewish student who was murdered while working for civil rights in Mississippi, also gave their lives to fight for the equality of African Americans. This powerful story of cooperation between races proves that justice and freedom are not victories won by one group alone, but by all who stand for the dignity and equality of humanity.

Yet, Peterson’s assertion challenges us to look deeper at the role of unity in the battle for equality. Throughout the years, it has been far too easy to ignore the contributions of those who did not personally suffer under the chains of slavery or discrimination, yet nonetheless joined the cause. The freedom and equality that so many fought for were not just personal victories, but collective ones. This deeper understanding of the struggle for justice teaches us that true freedom is never just the removal of chains; it is the lifting up of all people. The progress of one group is inextricably linked to the progress of all people who seek justice.

The lesson from Peterson’s words, and from the stories of Harriet Tubman, John Brown, and others, is that equality is not simply the fight of the oppressed—it is a cause that must be shared by all people who believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. To stand for freedom is not just to fight for one’s own rights, but to actively participate in the struggles of others. Whites and blacks, men and women, must unite in the battle for justice, because true equality is only achieved when we all fight together.

In your own life, reflect on how you can contribute to the struggle for equality. Do you stand in solidarity with those who are marginalized? Do you recognize that freedom is not just about personal liberation, but about lifting up all those who suffer? Like the brave figures of history, you too can play a part in shaping a world where equality is not just a distant hope but a living, breathing reality for all. Justice, equality, and freedom are not just ideals to aspire to—they are responsibilities that belong to us all. Stand firm in the fight for the dignity of every person, for in that fight, we are all made free.