Different Looks, Same Dreams, Shared Humanity
Chelsea Simpson,
Des Moines, IA
I chose these words because I believe that despite our outward differences, everyone has similar hopes and deserves respect
The Race Card Project
By Michele Norris
Chelsea Simpson,
Des Moines, IA
I chose these words because I believe that despite our outward differences, everyone has similar hopes and deserves respect
Adan Reyna,
Miami Gardens, FL
Adan Reyna,
Miami Gardens, FL
Hi, my name is Adan Reyna, I’m a Latin guy who is on the hunter of his dreams. I come from Panama to study aeronautical sciences. I’m taking my major at Florida memorial university; because for me, they have one of the most complete programs in aviation are.
I know deep inside myself that I belong to a minority group here in the United States. I am a Peruvian living in Alabama. However, the fact that I belong to a minority group does not make me feel inferior or less likely to succeed. On the contrary, I believe this country has given me the unique opportunity to thrive both academically and professionally. I feel so grateful for all the opportunities that have been bestowed upon my family and me. With much dedication and effort, we have started a new life that is opening doors all the time. Indeed, I have been able to get a master’s degree and work both as a Spanish teacher and an ESL instructor. Currently, I am pursuing a doctoral degree in Adult Education. I am well-aware of the fact that I would not have been able to accomplish these goals in my native country, mainly because of economic constraints. Little by little, I am trying to fit into this new society. I must admit that when I first got here almost four years ago, I felt a bit fearful about my future prospects. Nonetheless, nowadays I feel quite confident about my situation. I sincerely hope that this humble testimony can encourage other Hispanics living in the United States to study and work hard in order to make their dreams and their family aspirations come true!
Odali Ayon Rodriguez,
Tucson, AZ.
Just a quick message: In our society of modern day times I am immensely judged for being Hispanic and a women. As children we are always encouraged to dream big and live towards those big dreams. However, as I grew older there were a lot of individuals (teachers, friends, family members, colleagues, etc.) that looked down upon me and tried to discourage my dreams, whether it was graduating high school, going to a university college, or anything in general. They discriminated me because of my race and economic situations in my personal life that they thought I wasn’t capable of getting higher onto a platform. There comment were derogatory and insulting that at times I would let it bring me down, however I was determined to prove a point and teach a lesson.
People often say that black kids need black role models. I sort of cheated. The wild hair, thoughtful eyes, the chin and the smile always reminded me of my grandfather. Yet, Albert Einstein was a German Jew whose prominence in the scientific community reached celebrity status. Even then, he still had to escape his homeland to avoid persecution.
I didn’t limit my sights by my color. I pursue my dreams because I know that ideas change the world, not skin pigment. To me, the streets of Chicago was where I walked to and from home, school, and the Chicago Public Library. That’s how I got to where I am today.
Clemen W.
DSM, IA
Many people look at me and/or hear my accent and immediately create a full story about me in their minds. They react and act according to what they’ve assumed about me (Based in their own stereotypes).
Please, listen to my story first. You might be surprised with who I am, what I have done in life, what my dreams are, and how I could enrich your life.
Michael H
Chicago, IL
I grew up listening to Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy talk about their dream of a society that one day would be “color blind”. Forty years later, I feel like we’re as far as ever from that goal. In fact, I suspect most Americans would prefer to perpetuate the distinctions drawn by color rather than erase them. Maybe it gives us something to cling to…an identity we can rally around and fight for. At whatever cost. There’s certainly been progress over the years in the civil rights struggle, but there’s also been a lot of deep trenches dug on both sides…on all sides. The battle is more complex that ever before, but never more fierce. Slavery remains the original sin of this country and the issue of race will be with us as long as this nation lives and breathes.
Charles Dirden
Little Rock, AR
During the first year that schools were integrated this is what my white counselor told me. It hurt my feelings so bad because I had dreams of being a scientist. I ended up being a lawyer.
Winnie Wamboi,
Kenya.
I don’t get the big deal with being either black or white. I am African and I love it after all there is nothing I can do about it.