Anne Hathaway Speaks Out on Nia Wilson’s Death and White Privilege

Social media users all over the country have chimed in on mourning the death of Nia Wilson, an 18-year-old girl stabbed at a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station in Oakland, California.

Oscar-winning actress, Anne Hathaway, took to her Instagram account to share her own thoughts about the incident. Just like many others, Hathaway is outraged at the senseless violent act committed against the young black teen and her sister 26-year-old sister Letifah Wilson on July 22.

The murder of Nia Wilson- may she rest in the power and peace she was denied here- is unspeakable AND MUST NOT be met with silence.  She is not a hash tag; she was a black woman and she was murdered in cold blood by a white man. White people- including me, including you- must take into the marrow of our privileged bones the truth that ALL black people fear for their lives DAILY in America and have done so for GENERATIONS.  White people DO NOT have equivalence for this fear of violence. Given those givens, we must ask our (white)selves- how “decent” are we really?  Not in our intent, but in our actions?  In our lack of action? Peace and prayers and JUSTICE for Nia and the Wilson family xx Note: the comments for this post are closed. #blacklivesmatter #antiracist #noexcuse #sayhername #earntherighttosayhername

A post shared by Anne Hathaway (@annehathaway) on

While Hathaway’s post came amidst other celebrity tributes, her approach was slightly different. In her comment disabled post, Hathaway openly calls out white privilege and the need for white people, herself included, to take action against racism and violence.

Although the investigation has not produced evidence connecting the suspect with any white supremacist or radical groups, the racial dynamics still raise concern in this case.

Twitter users are commending Hathaway for using her platform to amplify Wilson’s story and make a call for action.

Tamia Heard
Author:
Tamia Heard is a rising senior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Tamia is majoring in communication studies with a journalism concentration. As a southern woman, she enjoys Saturday's filled with college football and good food!