Chaska Archives - The Race Card Project

The young are not naturally prejudiced.

July 18, 2022July 18, 2022 Adam Jones, Chaska, diverse, education, field, frustrated, future, generations, MN, para, prejuduce, school, young

Adam Jones,
Chaska, MN.

I am a para in a special education class, and the high school in which I work is very diverse. The longer I work in this field, the more I have come to see that kids are kids. People are people. I am frustrated, elated, encouraged, concerned, and inspired by all of them, irrespective of their race. But what I appreciate most is that THEY taught me to see them this way, because so many of them see the world this way themselves. There is hope, and it lies in time and the future generations to come.

Racism, as American as apple pie.

May 10, 2021May 10, 2021 American, Apple Pie, Chaska, MASBO annual conference, MN, racism, Valerie Evans

Valerie Evans,
Chaska, MN

Can we talk about white culture?

August 8, 2016August 9, 2016 Chaska, culture, Debby Irving, Jennifer Campbell, journey, Minneapolis, MN, suburban, Waking Up White, white culture

Jennifer Campbell,
Chaska, MN.

Growing up in suburban Minneapolis I never had to talk about my skin color or rarely meet others of a different color. As an adult I am a special education teacher who works in a suburban school. I’ve been on a journey trying to be more aware of diversity. I joined a book club through my school called Waking Up White by Debby Irving. Until I read this book I never even realized that white people have a culture; how could I not realize this? This book has really opened up my thoughts and has helped me in my continued journey about race. I know I’ve just really getting started on my journey.

Can we talk about white culture?

May 4, 2016May 4, 2016 1970's, 1980's, bridging the gap, Chaska, classroom, Debby Irving, Jennifer Campbell, MN, school, special education, suburban, teacher, white culture

Jennifer Campbell,
Chaska, MN.

Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s in suburban Minneapolis I did not have many opportunities to meet people from another culture or race from my own. I continue to work in a suburban school district as a special education teacher. Again, the dominant race and culture is white. Students of color have to navigate this culture on a daily basis. I need to continue my work to have a greater understanding of my students. I have been working on my views about “bridging the gap” in education. It wasn’t until I joined a book club through my school district that I began to see that I do have a culture. The book Waking Up White by Debby Irving opened my eyes to so many things that I did not know or could even begin to understand. I know now that whites have a culture. It isn’t a positive or negative culture- it just is. I know I have a lot of work to do in my journey toward “finding myself in the story of race” to quote Debby Irving.

Why cant I enjoy my heritage?

August 16, 2014August 18, 2014 Chaska, grandparents, heritage, Indian, Jennifer Kerkow, label, MN, scottish, white

Jennifer Kerkow
Chaska, MN

I’m mostly Scottish and German but Im around 1/4 Indian. I feel like I cant fully embrace it and claim it because it isnt the majority of my heritage, although its a part of me that I love.

When my great grandparents came to America (from Poland) they didn’t take the label Indian but instead said they were white. It’s never been a large part of my mothers life either and was generally just ignored. I want so badly do be able to embrace ALL of my heritages.. not just two.

Do not deny me my heritage.

March 31, 2014 Chaska, deny, DNA, German, heritage, Indian, Jennifer Kerkow, MN, scottish

Jennifer Kerkow
Chaska, MN

Im Scottish, German, and Indian. It was my Great grandfather who was indian and I love it and want to embrace it and claim it but im told my people I cant because it isn’t a large part of my DNA though you can see it in me.

Join the Newsletter

Info

Join our community