DeRay Mckesson Helps Stephen Colbert Dismantle His White Privilege

DeRay Mckesson, a prominent activist, stopped by Stephen Colbert's Late Show on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to discuss Campaign Zero, Black Lives Matter, and how exactly someone in Colbert's position might best recognize (and subsequently combat) white privilege. "People like to act like we don’t have a legacy of racism here," Mckesson says, referencing the Republican-led backlash Colbert received after wearing a Black Lives Matter bracelet during a broadcast. "I think people get really uncomfortable with it. But we know that we can’t change it unless we address it, right?"

When Colbert asks Mckesson for specific advice on how he might recognize and promptly undermine his own white privilege, Mckesson suggests utilizing his platform to give voice to the unheard. "You know it's about role, it's about access," Mckesson says. "And what you can do is extend that privilege so that you can dismantle it. You can create opportunity for people. You can amplify issues in ways that other people can't. You can use your resources to create space for people."

For more on Campaign Zero, an effort aimed at establishing actual accountability for those in law enforcement, please visit here.