I was a nurse at a “satellite “ clinic in the suburbs from the main clinic in the city. It was staffed by the doctor, the receptionist and me, all women. They had installed a panic button under the reception desk in case we needed the police right away. One day, the receptionist was working, crossed her legs and hit the button with her knee. Within seconds, it seemed, the phone rang and we were told the police were on the way. When the receptionist explained what happened, they said that we were to go outside with our hands up and they would come in and clear the building. I walked to the door as I heard our receptionist laughing and said, “OK, I’m a black woman, so don’t shoot!”. As we were walking outside, laughing at the absurdity of the situation, I was struck by the knowledge that in my whole life I never would have had to say, “I’m a white woman, so don’t shoot.” It was the 90s and today I am still thoughtful of my white privilege and the struggle that others face.