Tuscaloosa Archives - The Race Card Project

This doesn’t make you a better person.

January 23, 2025January 23, 2025 AL, Amy Bramlett, better, brave, interracial marriage, mixed, pale, Tuscaloosa

Amy Bramlett,
Tuscaloosa, AL.

My name is Amy. My fiance Keith and I have the most perfect baby girl together. She’s 8-months old and she is a mixture of her African American daddy and Caucasian mommy. Her name is Layla.

When I first told my family that I was dating a black man (long before Keith), my dad’s words stung me so badly that I almost didn’t recover. “Dating a black man doesn’t make you a better person, Amy.” “They can’t have you.” These were the words that rang in my ears for so long. It was Layla that broke the tension and melted everyone’s hard exteriors. She has brought so much love into our lives that never existed before.

We live in the south and yes, we do get ridiculous comments like, “Wouldn’t you rather date someone your own race?” and underhanded compliments like, “You’re so brave.” But compared to where we’ve been and the precious gift we have now, those things pale in comparison. An acquaintance recently said, “Amy, nothing makes you look happier or more in your element than being a mom.” I completely agree. You can’t argue with destiny.

Hesci, hello, I am Poarch Creek.

June 8, 2023June 8, 2023 2013 Tribal Princess Competition, AL, Creek, Elizabeth McGhee, hello, Hesci, Native American, Poarch Creek, Poarch Creek Indian, struggle, thanksgiving, tribe, Tuscaloosa

Elizabeth McGhee,
Tuscaloosa, AL.

A couple years ago I got to be a part of one of the best experiences of my life. I was part of the 2013 Tribal Princess Competition. Every Thanksgiving in Poarch, AL three girls are chosen to represent their tribe throughout the next year at different events. When I made the decision to run I never thought that I would have as much fun as I did, or that I would learn so much about the people that I come from.

I chose these six words because not only did I get to show you an example of Creek language, but I am proud to say that I am a Poarch Creek Indian. That culture lives inside of me and even though I may not know nearly as much as I would like to one day, I know enough to say that being an Indian is nothing to be ashamed about. The racism between blacks and whites in the past is always heard about, but most people do not realize that Native Americans faced those same struggles. My own grandfather walked to school most days because Indians were not allowed to ride the school bus. Being Poarch Creek makes me who I am today… strong, confident, and always kind.

Debilitated by shame of my heritage

September 24, 2020September 24, 2020 AL, heritage, shame, Tindol, Tuscaloosa

Tindol,
Tuscaloosa, AL.

Don’t assume- alot you don’t know

June 25, 2020September 18, 2020 AL, assume, being white, big problem, CA, know, make me better, Oliver Parr, Race, stereotype, surround myself, topic of discussion, Tuscaloosa, white

Oliver Parr,
Tuscaloosa, AL.

Being white in the state of Alabama automatically means that most people assume the worst. I was raised in the State of California where race truly is not even a topic of discussion. I grew up not looking at the color of a persons skin but how tough it is. I want to surround myself with people that are going to make me a better person whether they are Asian, Indian, Black, or White. It hurts me that people assume the worst without getting to know someone. Looking at this wall It makes me upset that we have come so far as a country and yet race is still such a big problem. I understand that in my situation makes it easier for me in some situation but my parents raised me right.

I’m A Sister, Not A Savior

April 1, 2020April 1, 2020 AL, Covenant University, Tuscaloosa, Zoe

Zoe,
Covenant University,
Tuscaloosa, AL

My upbringing in a predominately white community and church subtly trained me to look at those of color as disadvantaged. I was taught that I, as a white Christian, had something to offer to “improve” the lives of people of color. As I have grown older and been given opportunities to enter into community with those of different races, I see that I have a deep-engrained white savior complex. I am now learning NOT to approach discussions on race as a potential hero. Rather, I want to engage in these conversations in hopes of truly knowing the individuals I encounter, rejoicing and lamenting in their stories and experiences. I am learning how to love my colored brothers and sisters with dignity, stepping into uncomfortable conversations in order to learn, not to fix.

Middle class white Americans are struggling

March 13, 2018March 13, 2018 AL, John Fondren, middle class, NPR, struggle, struggling, Tuscaloosa, white Americans

John Fondren
Tuscaloosa, AL

Thanks NPR

Let Me Guess, They Were Black?

January 6, 2018January 5, 2018 AL, At least they we not black, attitude, Black, confusing, country, crime, guess, police, police brutality, stereotype, Taylor Jackson, Tuscaloosa, white man

Taylor Jackson,
Tuscaloosa, AL.

The race card might come off as confusing since I am a white man and my race card has a different race in it, but I hear that phrase all the time these days and that is really sad that this generation has come to this when bad things happen around the country. I bring this up, because people of other races seem to think that just because I’m a white man, I will always have it better in life than most and I won’t face as many struggles as they will growing up. It’s not only sad but disappointing that this is attitude they have because of past actions that have happen lately.

This past weekend, a video surfaced around the country about 3 students getting tazed and beat by several police officers due to a noise complaint. If you have seen any of the 4 videos, you cant disagree with me when I say that the screams from the girl and the overall videos are just hard to watch and leave a bad taste in your mouth. I’m not bringing up this video to talk about the attack, but because I could not tell you how many times in comment sections on social media or people in person say, “At least they we not black” Black, white, blue, purple, I don’t care, we should not be in a state of mind where if some kind of police brutality happens, we need to be thankful the victims were not black so it doesn’t come across as racism for those people in the community. It’s just sad to see and hear and this needs to be an issue we should all put a little bit more focus on and try to fix the problem.

Only Black Kids In The Neighborhood

November 24, 2015 AL, black kids, black neighborhood, but you don't sound, first experience, Jeremy Murray, moved, neighborhood, proper, school, sound white, talk white, Tuscaloosa

Jeremy Murray,
Tuscaloosa, AL.

Growing up my family moved around the country a lot. My brother and I had to attended many different schools but no matter where we were we always get told the same thing, “you don’t sound like you’re from here”, “you sound so proper”, and the my favorite one “y’all talk white”. The way my parents raised us made us that way and people thought it was so surprising because of our race.

I have a White Single Consciousness.

June 5, 2015June 5, 2015 AL, blessed, Briana Kidd, cursed, Du Bois, exposed, Single Consciousness, Tuscaloosa, veil, white, white privilege

Briana Kidd,
Tuscaloosa, AL.

I am blessed and cursed by my White privilege. I want the veil to be lifted so that I can help lift the veil Du Bois so candidly exposes.

Colorblind neoliberal ideology = language for racism

April 26, 2015 AL, Lexington, Loren Springer, School USA, Tuscaloosa, USA

Loren Springer,
Tuscaloosa, AL.

Don’t justify with the ‘American Dream’

February 6, 2015 AL, Alabama, American Dream, Huntsville, Kate Moss, School USA, Tuscaloosa, USA, work hard

Kate Moss,
Tuscaloosa, AL.

The narrative of ‘work hard and you will flourish’ has become the rallying cry for people unwilling to face the realities of systemic inequity in the United States. I do not believe the American Dream is alive and well, but I think the idea of it allows people to keep a close mind and perpetuate stereotypes. Its hard to pull yourself up by your bootstraps when our system decides who gets boots and who does not.

Segregated, excluded, divided along racial lines

September 1, 2014September 1, 2014 African American, AL, Charles Brantley, diminished, divided, education, excluded, extenuate, racial lines, segregated, Tuscaloosa, unqualified.

Charles Brantley,
Tuscaloosa, Al.

Words to describe education for African-Americans.

Original Post: segregated, excluded, divided along racial lines, diminished, extenuate, unqualified.

Skin color does not define excellence.

May 6, 2014 AL, Alabama, define, excellence, Mari Filer, School USA, skin color, Tuscaloosa, USA

Mari Filer
Tuscaloosa, AL

To Succeed Takes Alot of Heart

May 6, 2014May 12, 2014 AL, Alabama, cottondale, heart, McLain Filer, School USA, succeed, Tuscaloosa, USA

McLain Filer
Tuscaloosa, AL

Still Lifting the Veil of Ignorance

April 24, 2014 Alabama, atlanta, GA, George Greene, Georgia, ignorance, lift, School USA, Tuscaloosa, USA, veil

George Greene
Atlanta, GA

In Tuscaloosa and places like it across the resegregating South, we are being forced to fight a battle that seemingly cannot be won. Upward mobility in Tuscaloosa has been, and will continue to be halted because of closeted, good-ol-boy dealings that ruin the future of thousands of people. As a graduate of “old Central” and a former employee of “new Central”, I saw the effects of new-age “separate, but equal” and don’t like it. It’s sad to see that in the 21st Century, everything that our people fought for years ago is now being thrown away.

Times Have Changed.. Or Have They?

April 22, 2014 AL, Alabama, change, Juanita Shields, leassons, School USA, time, Tuscaloosa, USA

Juanita Shields
Tuscaloosa, AL

People Say That Mistakes Are Lessons Learned, But When Does Those Lessons Become Permanent? When Will This Society Realize That We Can Benefit A Million Times More From Each? We’re Supposed To Be A Nation, United, Standing Together For A Common Good. If You Want Your Country To Be The Best, Then Why Is It So Hard To Learn From Your History/Mistakes So That You Will Never Repeat Them Again?

Unique and enriching experience shaped me!

April 18, 2014 1972, AL, Alabama, atlanta, Georgia, majority, Minority, Pamela Payne Foster, School USA, Tuscaloosa, USA

Pamela Payne Foster
Tuscaloosa, AL

I entered high school in 1972 and was part of an integration experiment in Atlanta GA called the Minority to Majority program where I was bussed out of my neighborhood school which was 100% Black to a neighborhood school 20 miles away which was mainly White/Jewish. Other Black children all over the city were bused to this school which had massive resources- performing arts, plantetarium, good teachers, great programs, great parent support, etc. When I entered 8th grade in 1972 the ration was 30% Black/70% White. When I graduated the ratio was %50/50. Not only was the school racially diverse it was also socioeconomically mixed……I went to school with kids from the projects (mainly Black) and millionaires kids both Black and white, as well as middle class and upper middle class where I sit. We all learned so much about breaking stereotypes, about negogiation around race- through fair selection of students for leadership, extracurricular activities, cheerleading and dance squads, and homecoming queens and courts. Whenever we have class reunions we get a lot of attention, because I think our situation was very unique……..I know that moving beyond the border of my neighborhood instilled a different type of confidence with relating with peoples of all backgrounds which I still carry with me today. As I now teach at a undergrad/graduate level at a Deep Southern University- The University of Alabama, so many students in 2014 have a very narrow experiences with varying cultures which I know handicaps their full potential in careers and in life. We must stay focused on valuing each other’s cultures while meshing together as humans in order to continue to prepare our children for the global world and beyond.

Integrate. Know me; don’t fear me.

April 18, 2014 AL, Alabama, fear, integrate, integrated, know, Montgomery, public school, School USA, Tuscaloosa, USA, white

Laurie Johns
Tuscaloosa, AL

I am white. I attended integrated public schools in Montgomery, Alabama from 1st through 12th grade graduating from Sidney Lanier High School in 1983 as part of a white minority of around 30%. I believe having an integrated school experience allowed me to know and be familiar with black people and to develop some deep friendships that continue 30 years later. We weren’t racially aware at that time. We just were. Some of us have talked about that time and have called it a golden age but we agree that it is now gone. It seems to have been replaced with fear. Fear of “other.”

In developing my six words, I first thought: Integration. Knowing you; not fearing you. Being white, that came from a white perspective about black people – but, I reminded myself, blacks fear whites too. Hispanics fear blacks. Whites fear Hispanics. And so on. Taken down to its essence we, as humans, fear the unknown. We don’t know each other. Our entire lives are lived separately. There is no opportunity to know one another. Except perhaps in an integrated school. My integrated schools were not perfect but my years in them kept me from developing this fear and for that I am grateful. We don’t fear the familiar so regardless of our race we can all say, “know me; don’t fear me.”

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