To echo a previous comment, the absence of one does not make it lesser or undesirable. This is not a zero sum game.
> it's pretty clear that filling in "white people" would make this statement unacceptable
Of course that's unacceptable because it's an implied norm and saying so explicitly is offensive.
If I may suggest? Consider it this way:
"Black and brown people are especially welcome because of their history, life experiences, and unique viewpoints towards something that has historically affected their community's everyday existence ... in addition to the more common applicants (white males)"
NOT:
"Black and Brown people: yay. White people: booooo"
> it's pretty clear that filling in "white people" would make this statement unacceptable
Of course that's unacceptable because it's an implied norm and saying so explicitly is offensive.
If I may suggest? Consider it this way:
"Black and brown people are especially welcome because of their history, life experiences, and unique viewpoints towards something that has historically affected their community's everyday existence ... in addition to the more common applicants (white males)"
NOT:
"Black and Brown people: yay. White people: booooo"