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late-ish night thoughts: sometimes I think about how I desegregated my elementary school and how that experience has shaped how I view privilege and whiteness.
so I am product of @HeadStartgov, govt program for children of low-income working families.
As the story goes, the county plucked me from Head Start and put me in a pre-dominantly white private school in my area because of my development as a child.
I was five years old.
As the story goes, the county plucked me from Head Start and put me in a pre-dominantly white private school in my area because of my development as a child.
I was five years old.
At five years old, me and another Black guy, were the only Black students in our class. It was really difficult at times, but my educators- God bless them- really came through.
One educator in particular came through in ways that actually bring me to tears.
One educator in particular came through in ways that actually bring me to tears.
I remember there'd be little microagressions thrown at me and my parents here and there.
This educator protected me and my parents from all of that. She used her whiteness and privilege to empower me to be myself unapologetically. The true standard of allyship imo.
This educator protected me and my parents from all of that. She used her whiteness and privilege to empower me to be myself unapologetically. The true standard of allyship imo.
When I went to middle/high school, I was surrounded by more whiteness and privilege. I experienced every microaggression in the book:
Teasing, people touching my hair, people botching my name, and everything in between. I wasn't the only one anymore though, which matters.
Teasing, people touching my hair, people botching my name, and everything in between. I wasn't the only one anymore though, which matters.
I remember once this particular white boy was just doing a lot so I left the classroom and cried in the office of my homeroom teacher, another savior of mine.
It was the second time ever I'd cried over feeling like a target of racism from a peer. First time was when I was 8.
It was the second time ever I'd cried over feeling like a target of racism from a peer. First time was when I was 8.
At a very young age, I realized that asking about racism in it of itself was something that challenged power. So I asked. I challenged. I mobilized with other Black students.
In fact, I did my senior thesis on how private schools are basically perpetuating racism and classism.
In fact, I did my senior thesis on how private schools are basically perpetuating racism and classism.
I think spending 18 years in very privileged and white spaces taught me two important lessons:
1) White people can show up if they really want to.
2) Organizing and protest is what shifts power not respectability, not coddling, not working from within. Pushing power changes it.
1) White people can show up if they really want to.
2) Organizing and protest is what shifts power not respectability, not coddling, not working from within. Pushing power changes it.
Another lesson that I learned is that we must demand more from power in all forms. Any institution or person with access to power that tells you no is lying.
I know this, deeply. Power can always give more, it just doesn't want to. Push for more. Demand for more.
I know this, deeply. Power can always give more, it just doesn't want to. Push for more. Demand for more.
White people who claim to not know what allyship or sponsorship looks like are honestly lying.
It is as simple as recognizing someone's humanity and understanding with how that shapes their life. And showing up for them when it counts not when its convenient for you.
It is as simple as recognizing someone's humanity and understanding with how that shapes their life. And showing up for them when it counts not when its convenient for you.
I remember one time I mentioned white privilege and everyone in the class got super defensive, and my advisor said something that I will never forget:
"White privilege tells white people that their hard work alone is not the only thing that got them to this point."
"White privilege tells white people that their hard work alone is not the only thing that got them to this point."
I've concluded that if you want to show up for people you will. Anything else is an excuse.
And that's how desegregating my elementary school shaped me. By being the first, I realized that equity is the only way forward. There is actually no other way.
That's all I have.
And that's how desegregating my elementary school shaped me. By being the first, I realized that equity is the only way forward. There is actually no other way.
That's all I have.
For those who may be curious who the educator during my elementary school years was it's this woman
We share the same first name, which is why we bonded so quickly, and she has been to every graduation I've had since I was five. I love her very much.
We share the same first name, which is why we bonded so quickly, and she has been to every graduation I've had since I was five. I love her very much.
One day I will tell the story of how my elementary educator (s) changed my life and saved it to. I believe sincerely that my early education teachers are the sole reason why I have a deep appreciation and love for educators.
Being the only and then one of the few ages you in the best and worst ways.
It's also why I decided early on in life to do everything in my power to advocate for young Black people. I know what it feels like to have a champion and everyone deserves that. Everyone.
It's also why I decided early on in life to do everything in my power to advocate for young Black people. I know what it feels like to have a champion and everyone deserves that. Everyone.
I think this is my favorite late night thoughts so far. Please share widely. I want to hear your stories too!
