I'd like to answer by presenting seven assertions followed by a question:
- Symbols have no inherent meaning; we assign meanings to them.
- Colors have no intrinsic meaning; we attribute meanings to them.
- Symbolic meanings accrue and persist over time, based on repeated widespread use in words and images.
- The meanings of widely understood symbols change slowly over time.
- We use "black" and "white" to describe to people with darker or lighter skin and separate them into different "races."
- We also use "black" and "white" as symbols of evil and good. We call this trope black and white morality.
- American and European cultures have a long history of white supremacy and racism, which persists today.
Even if we do not intend to be racist, is it possible for us to employ "the often-used black and white symbolism" without evoking the racist meanings it has accrued over centuries?
I hope this helps.