I was walking behind a son and father who were talking about a movie about a well known African American who was still successful despite experiencing repeated violent racism for years. The son asked, "Did all that stuff really happen?" The father said, "I don't know." I wanted to say, yes that happened and many more examples that the movie did not cover. I did not because I wasn't part of the conversation and I did not want to be dubbed the stereotypical angry Black person. Later, I decided … [Read more...]
Mall
Saw a couple of young white people in a shopping area that assisted a harried African American mother with picking up items her 2 children had dropped. The young people were all polite and seemed happy to help. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary for them and after the encounter they went on their way without comment. … [Read more...]
SRO reactions
Less of a story and more general observations over the past few months of how parents/community members respond to the call to remove SROs from schools. Not surprising, but still disappointing, how many white parents are intent on keeping SROs instead of listening and seeking out the voices of students/ families, many who are Black and brown, who are impacted negatively by police presence in school all the time. This would be the time to amplify the voice of someone who has been harmed, not … [Read more...]
limiting college choices
My daughter's top choice for a college to attend was somewhat selective, private college with a high tuition cost which we had determined was within reach both in terms of her academic record and our budget for her college education. Her white, female guidance counselor insisted repeatedly that she needed to go to HCC instead of her top choice. When I questioned her about it, her only explanation was that that was the route her family had chosen for her children and therefore it should be a good … [Read more...]
Bullying on the School Bus
As we have moved back to in-person learning in the public school system, my daughter (Hispanic) had been picked on by another girl. An older girl on the bus, African-American, comforted my daughter, as she had been crying because of the incident. Later, the girl that comforted my daughter talked to me about the experience and how she helped. Later, I saw the girl's mother at the bus stop and complimented her on how kind her daughter had been to my kindergartner. I'm not sure if this illustrates … [Read more...]
Racist, Much?
In 2019, the leadership of the Howard County Public School System engaged in planning for redistricting, and I was directly involved in that effort and publicly expressed support for equity-based decisions. Some of my White neighbors -- people who share many of my progressive ideals -- were opposed to the HCPSS proposals for redistricting and argued that their children were going to be heartbroken if the plan was approved. On social media, when I bemoaned some of the awful, racist rhetoric that … [Read more...]
Students Discuss Anti-racism
In the spring of 2016, a student at Howard HS made a racist video about Black students. One of my children attended Hammond HS class of 2016. She and her friends hosted a sit-in at HaHS's parking lot to protest racism and discuss their feelings about the racist vitriol expressed by fellow HoCo students. They invited teachers and administrators and all HaHS students to participate. FYI. Hammond HS has one of the most diverse student bodies in the county. … [Read more...]
Been to China recently?
In March of 2020, I had to go to urgent care for my son. During check-in, the nurse said, "I am sorry, but I have to ask this question: have you or your son been to China recently?" Although we are of Asian descent, I did not take offense to the question, and understood the reasoning for the question. I was encouraged at the empathy the nurse felt towards us in having to ask the question. … [Read more...]
Kids growing in culturally diverse schooling
My grandson is 8. He is half Korean, half white, but looks totally white. He attends elementary school here in Columbia, a school which is half African-American and only 20% white. All his best friends from pre-K to grade 2 have been black. A year or two ago, he told me that when he grows up he wants to be black. We had to explain that that is not possible. I love seeing him playing with his friends and learning about people and cultures different from ours. This gives me hope that children here … [Read more...]
Scary Situation
I work in Howard County at the library but I have a story from last year that happened where I live (different county). My son and a friend went to a National Park last year (right before the Pandemic). It was a nice day and they wanted to take a hike and explore history. My sons have grown up going to the parks and love them. They completely got questioned and patted down by a police office. They were accused of having pot. They did not and are completely the best kids. Super friendly, polite … [Read more...]
Hate and Bias in Education
My daughter (8) wore Bantu knots into elementary school. She was ridiculed for having her hair in a culturally appropriate, but uncommon, hairstyle. Within this same school, she has received requests to touch her hair throughout her different hairstyles including natural and braided. Recently she has asked me to straighten her hair (in order to fit in better and be more accepted). … [Read more...]
Soccer Moms
A group of adults, adult caregivers or parents, were talking together while their elementary school aged children played soccer at a local park. Multiple ethnicities and races were represented, and all of adults were women, apparently in early-mid thirties. … [Read more...]
