Different is not bad, just different
Shaida Johnston, Falls Church, VA What is my nationality? I am American. I am as American as you are. Where am I from? Los Angeles,...
The “quiet girl” in the back
Alyssa Banas, VA. Before I attended college, I was known as the “quiet girl” that sat in the back of the class. I loved meeting...
I carry hope through young musicians
Virginia Jones, Danville, VA. I’m a 54 year old white lady living back in the south after 15 years away from home. Its not the...
I am BLACK & PROUD, always & forever.
Lauryn Fleming, Richmond, VA p>I feel as a black community we lack being prideful of who we truly are due to society. The saying “black...
No, but where are FROM from?
Tina, Birmingham. AL. Nevermind the fact that I speak with a southern accent, that my attire is noticeably of American influence, or that my last...
Family love comes from open hearts.
June Wells, Harrisonburg, VA My new family saved my life. I was finally safe and just one of “the kids” with my foster parents, Sam...
Family trees can tell you more
Isabella Evans, Seaford, VA Growing up I did not know much about my family tree. I only knew a select amount of my family. Digging...
I don’t know what I am.
Alexis Bing, VA Growing up, people would ask me “what are you mixed with?” They would call me “mixed girl” or “light bright.” I’ve even...
Don’t say “that is so black”
Ayla A. Wilk, Blacksburg, VA. I grew up in a small town in the south side of Virginia. Our town was built on a foundation...
I’m Hispanic, stop thinking I’m White
Leslya Chavez, Houston, TX Born and raised on the East coast of Virginia, though was raised in a Hispanic household. Grew up only Spanish till...
Things aren’t always as they seem
Richard, Richmond, VA This applies not only to racism and prejudice, but EVERYTHING!! That homeless person on the corner? They might have a Ph.D but...
I’m not black, I’m actually brown.
Bionca Bryant, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, Black defined is the very darkest color owing to the absence of or complete absorption of light; the...
Did I come from another planet?
Selamawit Hurisa, Richmond, VA In my child’s school, the majority of parents are white. I am a black immigrant and I am confronted with many...
But, you were born in U.S.A
Belen Martinez, Richmond, VA Being a Hispanic born in the United States can be very hard. Many times I’ve felt like I don’t belong here...
The differences make us more authentics
Nordelys, Chester, VA I came from Venezuela, where people are common mixed because 50 to 100 years ago my country received people from Europe, Asia,v...
