Tammy Olney,
Montgomery Blair HS still inspires me
Jonathan Feldman,
Rochester, NY.
My high school was integrated, and we took such pride in this that Stevie Wonder found out: he made a surprise visit to our school in 1981 to promote the creation of the Martin Luther King Day holiday. I wish that all students could have the same experience that we did.
For more info on this event:
Racism is an ego-based human dysfuntion
James E Washington,
Rochester, NY.
The ego thrives on identification and separation. We seems to be a nation that thrives on dualism, having an “other” a “they or them” as a means to distinguish ourselves from. White, Black; Rich, Poor: Republican, Democrat; Christian, Jewish; Fat, Skinny; on and on. The problem appears to be “ego run-a-muck.” We see it at the very highest levels of society in a divided government That division trickles down to the community level and further. We are a nation divided in so many ways that racism seems to be just a part of the larger systemic dysfunction. Racism will be undone when we elevate our level of consciousness. undergo an “apotheosis” thus minimizing the ubiquitous ego-driven dysfunction that now permeates society.
I’m optimistic that our society will be transformed. But I also understand that before the transformation can take root we will experience deeper levels of dysfunction. Hit bottom!! I’ve undergone the very type of transformation of which I speak.
Finding race is like coming home.
Elizabeth Lenz,
Rochester, NY.
Knowing where I am from, gives me a sense of home even when I am 4000 miles.
But where are you REALLY from?
AnJuanna Napue,
Rochester, MN
I am constantly asked where I am from. When I say Minneapolis, I get asked where my parents are from, grandparents, etc. My origin/ancestry is constantly questioned.
Equity over equality. It’s what’s needed.
Laura Meihofer,
Rochester, MN
We need to start creating a space where everyone is welcome and where all can achieve greatness. I truly believe this begins with equity because every person has unique needs and that’s okay!
Ignoring color is not the answer.
Christy Blade,
Rochester, MN
In the past I treated people without regard to their race. I’ve lived in my other countries. Until recently I thought I should treat all people without regard to race. As I’ve grown as person, I have realized that each person comes with their own experience which affects the lens they view life and events. I am asking more questions and learning my life experiences are far different from other races and cultures.
Family Faith Respect Health Integrity Loyalty
Tim Nela,
Rochester, MN
I am a family man, and I do everything for my family. These last few years have taught me a lot, and I’m going to continue to live by my 6 words, and understand that things take time and don’t happen overnight.
I’m not Bohunk, I am Czech.
Kim E Hudecek,
Rochester, MN
Since I’ve been a child I have been referred to as a Bohunk; a meaning that is a reference of a rough or uncivilized person. Granted the people who referred to me and everyone in my family referenced it in positive way as if I belonged in a special club.” I am Czech and proud of my heritage. I correct anyone who EVER tries to call me a Bohunk.
It was just not talked about.
Debra Miller,
Rochester, MN
Our mother hid our Native American ancestry until I was a late teen. I was raised in an area that continually brow beat and bashed Native Americans and I was afraid to tell anyone about my bloodlines back in the 70s. As I aged I realized it was OK to be proud of our heritage instead of embarrassed and I now openly share that side of me even tho I really know too little about the people before me because “it just wasn’t talked about”. My mother painted the photo I attached showing her vision of Native American art as she saw it.
Concerning. Scary. Exciting. “Hi, I’m Elaine.”
Elaine,
Rochester, MN.
These were the words that come to mind when I met my first non-white person — an American Indian girl. We were in first grade at a small school in SD. Her family moved to another community later in the year. I wonder why.
Searching wounds heals? Healing hardly begun.
Beverly J. Brown,
Rochester, NY.
Such a hard topic to discuss for some of us. But, a discussion that is sorely needed. I would love to be part of the solution, of creating a world where all beings are valued, but where to begin??
Righteous cops and journalists. Stand tall.
Hank Kula,
Rochester, NY
I worked in both the media and law enforcement. The image I took at the wedding last summer of a black police sergeant and his Hispanic wife. Subtly, not so subtly, it communicates the blending of families, and acceptance of all races. The barely-visible blue bracelet — that police are human, have lives, have families, and encompass all races.
Wear a suit? He’s a “pimp”.
Chris Thompson,
Rochester, NY.
I have been an engineer for 13 years, and I notice that when I don the regular business casual attire, colleagues not directly in my department think I’m either in food or custodial services. Now I wear a tie daily, and the “compliment” I get is that I look like a pimp. Why can’t I look like an engineer? Or a businessman? I’ll even take lawyer. Why does a tie on me make me look like a sex trafficker, and how is that a compliment?
God loves people and Formula Racing
Paul VonAesch,
Rochester, NY
There is one race, and only one…..the Indy 500. You thought I was going to say something else didn’t you.
Neither Puerto Rican or Mexican enough
Nayseth Carranza,
Rochester, MN
I’m mixed with Mexican, and Puerto Rican and many times I hear I’m not Puerto Rican enough or Mexican enough which is extremely annoying. I was born and raised in America my parents both moved to the United States at a really young age so they too grew up ” Americanized ” I’m not Mexican or Puerto Rican enough because I don’t like certain foods or music that belongs to each culture which makes me feel as if I need to prove myself. I’m tired of people trying to label me or tell me about MY race and if they feel like I’m Latina enough for them.
