The Race Card Project
By Michele Norris
Jasmine Baker
East Lansing, MI
Growing up I was placed in the gifted and talented program in my elementary school. I learned to speak what this society refers to as “proper English.” Because of that, many Black students would tease me and tell me that I’m black, stop talking like a white girl. What does that even mean? I laugh about it now 🙂
Description: This is me in Ephesus, Turkey on a Study Abroad trip to Green and Turkey Summer 2014
BJ Diamond,
West Hartford, CT.
Just married, moved from East Coast to Midwest, found a job as an urban planner for the county. First woman in a professional position at the agency. The other women were administrative staff. I was always asked to fill in for them if they were short-handed (e.g., please get the coffee, please type this report/letter, etc.). My Star of David necklace caused a lot of whispering behind my back. Finally, when I asked what was going on, I was told they had never met a Jewish person before, and where were my horns.
Sidni Sera Goodman,
Wayne State,
Eastpointe, MI
Being black in America is more than just challenging. There are so many highs and so many lows. I dealt with one day feeling black and proud, seeing how other cultures love my culture, style, flair, music, etc., then other days, I see how my black brothers and sisters literally get the cops called on them for absolutely no reason at all and it seems like nothing is being done about it. I literally see how the US government is against us, but then I see our God-given strength and it takes my breath away. It takes my breath away that you still see us smile, dancing, and saying “Thank you God for giving me breath in my body.” Still being polite, still being professional in the most racist workplaces and establishments. The sad thing is, it’s like really nothing has changed since my ancestors got free via the thirteenth amendment in 1865, but I still see that same strength our ancestors had back then and it still….takes my breath away.
Sidni Sera Goodman,
Wayne State,
Eastpointe, MI
Being black in America is more than just challenging. There are so many highs and so many lows. I dealt with one day feeling black and proud, seeing how other cultures love my culture, style, flair, music, etc., then other days, I see how my black brothers and sisters literally get the cops called on them for absolutely no reason at all and it seems like nothing is being done about it. I literally see how the US government is against us, but then I see our God-given strength and it takes my breath away. It takes my breath away that you still see us smile, dancing, and saying “Thank you God for giving me breath in my body.” Still being polite, still being professional in the most racist workplaces and establishments. The sad thing is, it’s like really nothing has changed since my ancestors got free via the thirteenth amendment in 1865, but I still see that same strength our ancestors had back then and it still….takes my breath away.
Joan E. Beaudoin,
Wayne State,
Oakland MI
One of my favorite public art murals is located in the Grays Ferry are of Philadelphia. Called the “Peace Wall” and created by Jane Golden and Peter Pagast it reflects my vision of the world.
Marilou Ingles,
Romulus, MI.
I am American Indian, I grew up in poverty, and I am from the South. I often joke that I received a scholarship to U of M because of my heritage. I do not believe that I would have been admitted based on academia, talent, experience, or personality; I am here because it looks good on paper to give a poor little Choctaw kid access to higher education. Talk about insult to injury.
Justin Flagel,
Niles, MI
Yes, I’ve faced plenty of challenges throughout my life. Yes, I’ve worked hard to earn things I’ve gained in life. Yes, my life hasn’t always been easy. Acknowledging my white privilege does not mean those things are untrue or that I’ve never had problems. It just means that whatever my challenges were, my race was never one of them. “White” doesn’t equal an easy life, but it does remove obstacles.
Erica Kirk,
Cassopolis, MI
I am a very white-passing Native American. People are always surprised to find out that I am a citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, so much so that I often feel judged because I don’t “look Indian.” I am proud of all parts of my heritage, that history has shaped me into who I am today!
Joyce Goodluck,
East Lansing, MI.
On Location, MSU.
Before coming to MSU I knew one side of racism from media. Whites discriminating Blacks. I even once experienced that when I passed by Akers Hall and some one shouted at me from his window black and African. I was like he is a racist.But whom am I in that aspect of life?Soon I discovered that I am almost like him in my behavior. I tend to associate more with people of my skin color hoping that the skin color makes us more compatible. I decided to try befriending whites. Later when I started to approach them I found out that my theory was wrong, you don’t get along with some one because of skin color. Instead I was spoiling my experience at MSU.
Abhijeet Ghadvaje,
Detroit, MI,
Wayne State
Rather than saying we are all the same, accept that we are different. Rather than discriminating, embrace the existence of the beautiful diversity.
Nicole D. Riggs,
Inkster, MI
I believe racism is rooted in fear. In the case of Whites versus Blacks there is fear of our ability to thrive, survive and excel despite all that is done to keep us from doing so. Even with their feet on our backs we manage to rise.
Nayana Davis,
Wayne State,
Detroit, MI
Black people should not have to keep repeating that we matter because just like white people we matter too. White people do not have to keep saying it to get their point across because they already have privilege that is given to them without them even asking for it.
Yvette Davis,
Wayne State,
Detroit, MI
I believe race is not the issue. I believe the issue is the person true feelings inside. People are taught to be intolerant. Race is just the mask people wear.
Olga Johnson,
Wayne State,
Detroit, MI
Race is becoming more difficult to distinguish according to google, due to intermarriages, travel and better communications between humans on earth.
Austin Crutchfield,
Wayne State,
Detroit, MI
We may differ in skin color, but we are all low-key one and the same. Genetically we may be very different or very similar or somewhere in between. Everyone has a different fingerprint even twins though. I think once we strive to find the many ways we relate to each-other, then the more we will begin to converge into one big human race that continues to make the world a better place.
Sandy Yarrington,
Wayne State,
St. Clair Shores, MI
I am always amazed at how far we have come, but I am frustrated at how far we have to go. It disturbs me that in many of the classes I have taken, the black people all sit together. The white people sit together. The foreign students sit together. How can we possibly break barriers if we refuse to step out of our comfort zone?
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