WE CAN HANDLE
THE TRUTH
We believe it is honorable
to tell the truth and stand up for American values,
fighting for freedom and justice for everyone.
This isn't about shame and guilt.
This is about the truth.
The truth is our country is great AND imperfect; our history is beautiful AND ugly; we work hard AND there has never been a level playing field.
"We Can Handle The Truth" is a storytelling project designed for White men who love our country, have the courage to stand up to false narratives seeking to divide us, and want to work together so that America works for everyone.
Our American Heroes
We can handle the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about our American history AND its relevance to our lives today. We are angry that we didn’t know, AND have been inspired to learn, about the many White men who have stood up and spoken out for justice throughout America’s history. These are the imperfect models of the good ancestors we aspire to be.
Image: John Lewis & Jim Zwerg Bettmann Archive and Getty Images
Our Personal Stories
Every member of the WMRJ community engages in the personal reflection to understand how America’s racial history shows up today in their own lives. The men who have courageously shared these photo testimonials have come to understand their personal Yes/AND stories:
- Yes, we have worked hard, AND Whiteness has given us a head start and a relatively clear path to reach our full potential
- Yes, I have experienced struggle and hardship, AND I know that, unlike others, my hardship was not caused by my race
- Yes, we are 'good guys,' AND there still has been a gap between our beliefs and our actions
- Yes, some of us felt pretty knowledgeable, AND we didn't know what we didn't know
The Truth Trail
A free, self-guided walking experience through six locations in Philadelphia’s historic district to demonstrate that we don't have to choose between celebrating our country and telling the truth about it.
