“Here in America I feel like I’m constantly aware of my race, just because it’s such a big topic. And everywhere I have to think about like, “Oh, I’m the only Black person here” or “I’m the only person of color in this class” or I have to behave a certain way so that I seem like one of the better Black people. I have to conform to what society would feel like is normal so I’m not seen as that crazy Black person.
“I think one of the big things is that people are kind of in denial or blinded because they’re not experiencing it so they think it’s not happening. I would say listening to your Black friends or your friends of color’s experience, because I feel like that’s where you can learn in a comfortable zone and not be ashamed or embarrassed. But knowing that it’s okay to ask questions, and listen to the stories. And just because you’re not experiencing it doesn’t mean its not a real thing.”