Try getting to know me first
Sharina Stepney. I’m originally from New York & moved to Va for the first time when I was 9 years old. I was not liked...
I’m not Hispanic. Stop making assumptions.
Suzie Araujo. For years I have been identified by others as hispanic based on my last name. When I explain that I am Portuguese, people...
I don’t know where to start
Jillian Lileikis. I have always been a supporter of equal rights and equal treatment for all genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, etc. My family things...
How do I protect my daughter?
Jennifer Smith. I’m a single white mom with a bi-racial child. It’s gut wrenching to talk about all of the things she SHOULDN’T do when...
Sad my grandparents used the “N-word”
Susan Atkinson. I grew up in a small town in the mountains of Virginia. I did not think much about race. I never questioned why...
You’re a really smart Black woman.
Celicia Temple. I have been told those words and each time it strikes me really hard. To avoid the “race” conversation. I often nod and...
How Can I Make A Difference
Rebecca Ireland. While I do know some ways I can help be an ally, its usually on a more individualized basis. I feel somewhat paralyzed...
Black women endure more pain.
Destiny Hubbard. Black women that seek medical attention get overlooked and passed on. I had heard this many times but it wasn’t until I was...
Think you know me? You don’t.
Lewis “Mike” Fraughnaugh. I’m half Mexican but pass for white (most of the time). I’ve benefited from white privilege, and racists have shared their ugliest...
Differences should be respected, not ridiculed!
Paula Mathes. I was raised to believe you do NOT judge or assess a person by their color, religion, cultural background, sexual orientation, or any...
I have so much to learn
Jeff Butler. I’ve always considered myself an ally, but I’m realizing there’s so much more I need to consider and learn. I want to better....
But where are you REALLY from?
Jill Fletcher. Growing up as a half-Japanese, half-white kid, I was constantly asked, “Where are you from?” and when I answered, “Portland,” I’d get, “But...
I’m Proud Of My Black Family!
Camille Henry. Growing up I never watched the news. There was always something on the news about someone being killed or hurt. Most of the...
Fitting in everywhere but belonging nowhere.
Christina Crawley. My father is white, my mother is mixed-race (from Martinique – Arawak Indian, Black, French and Other European dissent). My mother experienced racism...
Lifelong racism target. Disgusted for all.
Quoc. I have dealt with racism to varying degrees my entire life; when I was younger it was much more overt, but as an adult...
Too White. Too Asian. Never enough.
Lucas Yamanishi. Mine is the classic story of being bi-racial. I’m too Asian to be accepted as White, but too White to be accepted as...
