This essay first appeared on my old blog as It is a Privilege: Lessons in Humility and Compassion in March 2017, shortly after the first immigration halt (aka “Muslim ban”) of this administration. I was feeling pretty helpless, and needed to remind myself—and hopefully remind others—that there are things that we can do, right now, to help others who have been unfairly targeted.
I’ve made some minor edits to the body of the essay—you’ll notice I kept much of the previous wording for 2017, and I added a few updates at the end. I think it’s important to note that in some ways, not much has changed. I’ve tried to make sure that language is up to date for 2025, but please let me know if I’m using an outdated or insensitive term, or if you have any questions about any of this. I’m happy to talk to and learn from you!
If you’d rather listen to this essay in a browser or as a podcast, click the audio voiceover (“listen to post”) above. Read this if you need instructions on how to listen to episodes on your podcast app.
If you’re reading this in your inbox, you can find a shareable, web-friendly version at ashleighellskells.substack.com, where all my other essays and podcasts live. You can request to follow me on Facebook here and Instagram here, and I’m happy to hear from you at aellsworthkeller@gmail.com.
These organizations need your help:
Burlington, Vermont is located on the land of the Wabanaki and N’dakina (Abenaki) nations.
Image: 300 Lake Street, as pictured on the Champlain Housing Trust website. Our unit was in the back of the building on the top floor.
