@urichmond Archives - The Race Card Project

I’m not woke, but I’m learning.

June 28, 2021July 1, 2021 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, Midlothian, USA, VA

Joe Boehman,
Midlothian, VA
University of Richmond

I grew up not having to think about my privileges. I believed that I was a product of the American Dream. My dad worked hard, earned his college degree in night school after coming home from WWII, and my mom and dad put my four siblings and I through college. We weren’t rich by any means, but we were comfortable. That is the American Dream, but looking back I know that the story would have been very different if my parents were not White.

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to earn multiple degrees, and to have a wonderful job doing what I love. I also know that I am very fortunate to have privileges – being a White, straight, male of a certain socio-economic status affords me the privilege to not have to think about what it means to be White, to be straight, to be a man.

I am not “woke.” I am constantly learning how much I need to learn. I don’t want to hurt others as I walk this Earth. I want to use my privileges to help others, by using my voice, my presence, and what I’ve learned to educate and advocate for folks who are sometimes not listened to. I want the students here today to know a world that is truly equitable…and that has to start today.

#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject

I’m black and so much more

November 18, 2019November 18, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP

Makayla,
Richmond, VA

Society places a heavy focus on my identity as a black individual, but my life is intersectional. It makes it so hard rise up against adversity when everyone wants to stick you into a box and place judgment on that one factor. It has taken a lot to embrace and appreciate the culture and history that I get my skin tone. However, I am also a woman, a scientist, a sister, a daughter, a dog owner and so much more. I am proud of every part of me!

#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject

I did not know I’m biased

November 13, 2019November 13, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, bias, Richmond, VA

Tom,
Richmond, VA,

I always prided myself in not being racist or biased. After well over 40 years of life I finally realized I have automatic biases that I did not realize were there that impacts my decision making

#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject

Small things can make BIG differences

November 13, 2019November 13, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, Chesapeake, USA, Virginia

Althea McMillian,
Chesapeake, VA

At the end of each day, I reflect back on the days events. I am constantly amazed at how on many days, the smallest actions (quick conversations, greetings, smiles, kind/rude acts by other etc.) seem to have the biggest impact on my day.

#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject

Everyone must learn from our past.

November 12, 2019November 13, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, Richmond, USA, VA

Mark Person,
Richmond, VA

My family has recently donated Nat Turner’s Bible to the New African American Museum of History and Culture and I have served as a spokesperson for the family. Rev Turner was baptized on our family property Persons Millpond in Southampton County, Virginia back in 1828. Persons United Methodist Church, est 1838, is celebrating 181 years. We feel the Bible is a unifier and healer. Also, I have been involved in U of R’s Growing Up in Civil Rights Richmond Exhibit: A Community Remembers The times are changing and we learn from our past to make for a better tomorrow.

#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject

Don’t Care What Color You Are!!!

November 12, 2019November 13, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, Richmond, USA, VA

Anonymous,
Richmond, VA

I clutch my purse because I was raised in New York where the police actually come to school assemblies teaching us how to clutch our purses in a way where we won’t get pickpocketed or mugged. I’ve been doing it since grade school and it has nothing to do with who is near me or who is close to my personal space. I am very proud of the fact that attempts to pickpocket me have been unsuccessful because I know how to store valuables in a way that can’t easily be stolen and because I know how to clutch my purse. I do what I need to do to protect myself as well; women are more likely than men to get raped or abducted. I am not going to stop doing these things just to ease your feelings when you decide to assume it’s about your color. Everything isn’t always about your skin color. I’m sorry for your wounds; I really am. I want to hug everyone and make it all better… if I thought that would work. …but please hear me when I tell you, “I don’t care what color you are!”

#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject

If I could have another chance

November 11, 2019November 13, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, Richmond, USA, VA

Jean LB Creamer,
Richmond, VA

If I could have another chance
If I could say I’m sorry
I would scream it till I cried
I would plead until you knew
I would post it on the
Bricks of the Food Lion on Forest Hill Avenue
Where I unleashed a torrent of anger
Borne not of racism
But of illness and exhaustion.

But you will never know this.

When your car cut me off,
My stomach heaved again,
And alongside the nausea of pregnancy
Rose blistering anger at the
Recklessness of teenage drivers.

Immediately you exited your car,
Heading over to me,
A dark-skinned teenager with
An intent expression,
Your friends gathered behind you

And you apologized.

You apologized to me,
Yet in my blind and self-absorbed sickness that day,
I threw your apology back at you and
I barraged you with angry words,
Steeped in the acid of nausea, self-pity,
And self-righteousness.

It did not occur to me until later
How I made you feel,
How you doing the right thing
Still got you smacked with my terrible
Unjustified outburst.

How this must have looked and felt like
Another racist encounter,
And how my verbal abuse
And refusal to engage with
Your good will
Continued the undeserved maltreatment
You had likely experienced
Too many times in your young life.

If I could have another chance,
I would join you in your desire for peace
I would shake your hand
And thank you
And confirm the good person
That you are
And greet your friends who
Stood beside you.

A tirade stinging of discrimination
Was not my intent.
But it was my impact.
And it was my fault.

MY fault.

I am so sorry.
I am so very sorry.

#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject

Why don’t we all love diversity?

November 11, 2019November 13, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, Hilary Appleton, Richmond, USA, VA, Virginia

Hilary Appleton,
Richmond, VA

I am fascinated by people–who they are, where they came from, and the story of how they got to where they are today. I’m interested in people who share my story, but I’m even more interested in those who have a completely different story. To me, commonalities are nice and even comforting, but the differences are so exciting! I always want to know what it’s like to live another life, to view the world in a different way, to experience different successes and struggles, and to follow different social customs or cultural traditions. This passion for examining diverse human stories is what led me to study acting in college, and what drew me to work in higher education–a setting in which learning, growth, and discourse are at the heart of the mission. Diversity among humans makes the story so much more interesting, so it’s hard for me to understand why not everyone feels that way.

#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject

Coexist, acceptance, peace. Open your heart.

November 6, 2019November 13, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, Richmond, USA, Virginia

Andrea Zinski,
Richmond, VA

Are we really that different? No, we are very much alike – on the inside.

There are many levels to hate and, yes, racism is very much still a thing. The current political climate here in America and all over the world has attempted to legitimize those who still think that to be White, to be Christian, to be Straight is superior/chosen/preferred over peace, love and acceptance of our differences.

We all need to work on making our “in-groups” larger and more inclusive. We need to open our hearts and our minds and be curious enough to learn more about other cultures and ethnicities. Be the change within your own circle, and others will follow.

The white community must do more.

November 5, 2019November 13, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, Charlottesville, USA, VA

Clare Pugsley,
Charlottesville, VA

I chose these six words because America in 2019 is a place filled with more open (and hidden) racism and bigotry than I ever could have imagined. I feel a responsibility as someone who has benefited from white privilege throughout my life to speak out against prejudice when I witness it. In particular, I believe that many others fail to recognize their own white privilege, especially if they experienced economic hardships. The systemic racism that still exists within our society prevents people of color from truly experiencing the same opportunities that those of us in the white community enjoy. Those in positions of power (unfortunately most of whom are white) need to do more to create a community in which everyone has the same access and ability to succeed.

#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject

Social Construct Created By Privileged People

November 5, 2019November 13, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, Richmond, USA, VA

C.D.,
Richmond, VA

You’re more European than I am!

November 3, 2019November 13, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Ronald A. Crutcher,
Cincinnati, OH

This was a statement made to me by a German man here in the United States, as he queried me about why I decided to leave Germany after having lived there for almost five years. I speak fluent German and really enjoyed my life in Germany. When he asked why I had left, I told him it was because I am African American. I really wanted to have a family, and I was concerned about having to translate my Kentucky family’s social folkways to my children. My mother’s family has had a family reunion for more than 100 years, and I also wanted my children to grow up interacting with their family on a regular basis. My German friend could not understand my reasoning and got really angry with me. Finally, he yelled at me: “That’s BS, you’re more European than I am!.”

#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject

White Stepson, Black Son, Multiracial Daughter

October 30, 2019November 13, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, Richmond, USA, VA

Keith W. McIntosh,
Richmond, VA

I am blessed to be married to my lovely and talented partner, Penny. We were in prior relationships which gave us sons. Our boys were 4 years old when we met and our first date was taking them to Sesame Street Live on Ice. I would often joke that our boys were twins like Danny Devito and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Today, one is 6’4″, blond hair, blue-eyed and the other is 5’9″, black hair, and brown-eyed. We were blessed with a daughter through our marriage. We lived in Southern Arizona when she was in middle and high school. She was often mistaken as Latina due to her skin complexion and hair. This is our blended family.

Penny and I had different upbringings. She was born and raised in a small town in Iowa in a homogenous community and attended one school system. I was born while my father served in the U.S. Air Force. We lived in a variety of states and countries. I attended several grade schools, middle schools, and high schools. I had a very diverse upbringing.

When Penny and I started our family had challenges of acceptance from within our families and as well as from society at large. Some challenges were mild while others were severe. We often received stares, some pointing and whispering, especially when only me or Penny were with the kids. I remember a white woman asking my stepson Dane where is your Daddy or Mommy was when she saw him without a white adult nearby. I sat and watched as Dane proceeded to point to me and the woman then said, no baby, I mean “YOUR DAD or MOM” and he again pointed to me so I stepped toward them and explained to the woman that I was indeed his dad. I was close enough to hear their conversation. I still don’t think she believed me until he hugged me and we walked away with him holding my hand. I know Penny has experienced similar situations when she is alone with the kids. Our kids also had to learn to navigate their life and explain their family to their friends.

White Stepson, Black Son, Multiracial Daughter (& Multiracial grandsons).

YES!!!!!!!!!!! I am their Dad!!!

#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject

I have a dream…

October 14, 2019November 13, 2019 @urichmond, #theracecardproject, #URTRCP, Richmond, USA, VA

Scott Tilghman,
Richmond, VA

I met Reverend Samuel Billy Kyles at the Loraine Motel National Civil Rights Museum in August 2009. My daughter and I were traveling across the country and visited the Museum. Rev. Kyles gave us a 20 mins civics lesson and first-hand account of “I have a dream”. I keep the autographed Dr. King quotes on my desk to this day.

#URTRCP #TheRaceCardProject

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