Joe Boehman,
Midlothian, VA
University of Richmond
I grew up not having to think about my privileges. I believed that I was a product of the American Dream. My dad worked hard, earned his college degree in night school after coming home from WWII, and my mom and dad put my four siblings and I through college. We weren’t rich by any means, but we were comfortable. That is the American Dream, but looking back I know that the story would have been very different if my parents were not White.
I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to earn multiple degrees, and to have a wonderful job doing what I love. I also know that I am very fortunate to have privileges – being a White, straight, male of a certain socio-economic status affords me the privilege to not have to think about what it means to be White, to be straight, to be a man.
I am not “woke.” I am constantly learning how much I need to learn. I don’t want to hurt others as I walk this Earth. I want to use my privileges to help others, by using my voice, my presence, and what I’ve learned to educate and advocate for folks who are sometimes not listened to. I want the students here today to know a world that is truly equitable…and that has to start today.
#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject
