Not Latino enough, Not American enough
Maria Lopez, Baltimore, MD. I remember one time I was really sick and was rushed to the ER, while registering the nurse told me “you...
My privilege matters, not being Latino.
Emilio Cosgrove, Ellicott City, MD I am a mixed-race individual who is Colombian and Irish. While being Latino is more significant to me than the...
Afraid he’ll deny his Black side.
Tiffany Smith, Joppa, MD My husband and I fought for years to conceive and are proud parents of a 17 month old, mixed race boy...
I passed Citizenship test, can you?
Avanti Iyer, Chevy Chase, MD. I’m tired of not been seen as having the same rights as white people (especially after 9/11). I had to...
Grandma’s racial rejection disappeared with Olivia
Elizabeth Clair Winslow, Denver, CO. No one from my immediate family showed up when George and I were married. But when Olivia was born, all...
A transnational adoptee, consumed by “in-betweenity.”
Rebecca York, Takoma Park, MD Fighting for visibility and validity, in white and of-color spaces is perpetually exhausting. Transnational adoptees are at the heart of...
Black nurse fired for resisting injustice.
Elona, Baltimore, MD Black registered nurses face bullying and discrimination daily, primarily from non-Black colleagues. We are constantly made to feel inferior, despite our skills...
I am still an American citizen.
Yousuf Khan, Potomac, MD. I was born and raised in Springfield, VA before moving to Maryland. When you ask me where I’m from, expect me...
“Don’t act your color”? We’re radiant!
Avis Danette Matthews, Glenarden, MD “Don’t act your color.” I recall hearing that phrase a lot while growing up in the ’60s in Prince George’s...
White hair; My Nana did care!
Tania Chandler, Upper Marlboro, MD I remember when I was about 8 years old, I told my grandmother that I wished I had hair like...
A Cajun Girl in her Kilt
Michelle Blanchard Ardillo, Rockville, MD. A Cajun girl in her kilt, that’s me. My dad was born and raised in southeast Louisiana, as was I,...
Why so petty? Pale Blue Dot.
Raj Malhotra, College Park, MD. “Are you the IT guy?” or “Does your family own a 7-eleven?” If I bother to take offense on all...
Acknowledging and understanding my white privilege
Lauren Michaels, Poolesville, MD As a white individual, I have learned to identify my privilege in order to recognize what I have, and use that...
Mom placed newborn in front row
John Butterworth Boston, MA My mother has just graduated from nursing school in Boston and moved to Maryland in the mid ’50’s with my dad,...
How can she be your mom
Laura Clarksville, MD Being Black we come in all shades. My mom is extremely fair-skin; my dad was very dark. I look like my dad....
Color is a mask you’ve made
Sarah Samuels, Rockville, MD I am a member of Montgomery College’s “ACES Ambassador Leadership Program” AAL Each of our 24 students decided it was important...
