Mexicana by bood, American by birth.
Citlalli, Arlington, TX This is a powerful statement that captures the dual identity many individuals experience, particularly those who are of Mexican heritage but born...
Hi, I’m Black and I’m PROUD!
Elecia Terrell, Arlington, TX I’m very proud of my blackness. To many, we’re too loud, always angry, ghetto, love chicken and watermelon, always on government...
We MUST teach kids about racism
Sam S. Arlington, VA I’m a young white teen growing up in a rich white area. For the past few years I’ve tried my hardest...
Jews wear coats of many colors.
Marsha Semmel, Arlington, USA This refers both to the Biblical story of Joseph, my own struggles with defining my Jewish identity (many Jewish friends check...
I don’t fit in “your” box.
I grew up “out of the box”. Box 1: I grew up in Ithaca, NY. Box 2: I lived in a small neighborhood five miles...
Divide in America demands one listen
When I entered high school, I quickly learned terms like white privilege, white fragility, and microaggressions, which challenged my identity. While I understood I benefited...
White = Christian, I’m not, I’m Jewish
Janice Cagan-Teuber, Arlington, MA To me, “White” has always meant “Christian”. I grew up in a neighborhood that was 99.9% Catholic. We were the only...
Microaggressions are not innocent benevolent acts
Paula Mays, Arlington, VA People have to realize microaggressions, such as “Where you from?” are just as painful as overt racism.
Andes shadows follow me, no Quechua.
Carmen Mendoza Tintaya, Arlington, VA. My parents are from a remote village in Arequipa Peru, where only until 2006 accessible roads were built. Now with...
I don’t know where to begin.
Elizabeth Johnson, Arlington, VA. There are so many things I wish I could say but am worried they will come out the wrong way. I...
What’s the best Indian restaurant?
Nayna Sasidharan Arlington, VA That asked within the first few minutes of meeting someone
To belong everywhere and nowhere simultaneously
Amanda Baran, Arlington, VA. “No, I’m not Mexican. Nope, not Latino. I’m an American who’s half Syrian and half Indian. Well actually, my father’s former...
I’m not a “real” black person
Maia Ogembo, Arlington, TX. Trinity University Because of the way I speak or carry myself, I am not viewed as black enough to some people’s...
It’s Okay To Talk About Race
Courtnay S., Arlington, VA. Why are we so uncomfortable talking about racial privilege? Does anyone shy away from saying they are privileged because of their...
Not hispanic enough, not white enough
Alfida Cruse, St. Louis, MO. Growing up half Dominican and half Missouri German (white) constantly left me feeling not white enough for the white kids...
