• What’s your ethnic and religious heritage?
African-American/ Christianity: Church of God in Christ
• What’s your earliest memory of becoming aware that some people looked different from you?
I was probably 5 or 6. I remember seeing a commercial for the My Buddy doll. I knew instantly I wanted one. I finally convinced my mom. I remember being surprised at the store when I realized there was a white and a black version.
• What’s your earliest memory of becoming aware of racism?
I guess I’ve always been aware. My parents were older when I was born (45 and 50). Both grew up in the south during the Civil Rights era. We always had open discussions about race in our house. I was in high school, when I faced my first true undeniable encounter with racism. I attended a majority African-American high school. Our basketball team traveled to play a rural school. I remember people in the crowd openly making racial “jokes”.
• What’s one way you think your life would have been different had you been born another race?
I try not to dwell on how things could have been different. Instead, I focus on making the best with what I’ve been dealt. I remember in 8th grade, I got in trouble at school. The principal requested a parent conference. I knew I was going to be in major trouble with my parents. I had prepared myself for the worst. Instead of being angry, I remember my mom telling me with tears in her eyes, “Black boys have to be better. It’s not fair, but it’s the way it is. You have to be better than the rest.” That conversation shaped a large part of my life. In everything I do I give it 110% effort. For a time I felt burden to get better grades or work harder than everyone else. However, I soon realized that I didn’t “have to” be better, but I wanted it for myself. I’m sure somethings would be easier if I were another race, but I’d like to think I would work just as hard.
• What is one way you think you could connect with white people who have differing views about race?
I’m very open-minded. I think the key is trying to understand why someone believes the way that they do, and being willing to have those uncomfortable conversations.
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