Every time I hear of a new account of racism in our country, my mind immediately goes to this group of people. This is my graduating class from 2009 at Ridge Spring-Monetta High School. As you can easily see we are a diverse group, as it was when we all started school together as little kids. We grew up together, played ball together, and were extremely tight-knit due to our small class size (46).
From a young age, my parents always taught my brothers and I the golden rule, “treat others as you would like to be treated.” So as a 1st grader, I really had no idea how thankful I would be for the education I received for the next 12 years with this group of people. I was obviously aware I went to school with African-Americans, but as a child, I really didn’t see color. Even throughout our high school days, our class was a family and racism was not tolerated. I’m sure there are cases I don’t know about, but from my perspective we were ONE. Many teachers have told our class over the years we were a “special group” and I would have to agree. We love each other like brothers and sisters.
You are probably wondering where I am going with all of this. When you spend time with people different than you, you can learn their beliefs, their dreams, and their fears. It wasn’t until I left the comfort of my high school days, I realized how important it is to see color. In college, the real world became apparent. I learned not all white people had the same beliefs as my RSM classmates and many had not been exposed to black people very often- something I quickly learned to be grateful for and share my experiences.
As a middle-class white girl, I found it often uncomfortable to bring up racial issues and over time it bothered me more and more. The times I did, I was either criticized or my words were picked apart by both black and white people. I knew my heart was in the right place, but just didn’t know how to express my feelings. When you see accounts of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and many more it really leaves you speechless. Speechless because of the anger and sadness that fills your heart. There comes a time when you get so tired of the hate, you can’t be quiet any longer. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “in the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
You see, it all goes back to my high school class for me. When I see my friends scared for their young black sons to grow up in our country, I have a problem. Georgina, Ashley, and Shaquanna- Romeo, Ken, Kylin, and Jaden’s lives matter to me. Steven and Xaiver, you are both doing great things with your careers, and I know you have both faced some undeserved trials you have overcome and for that, I am so proud of you. The list goes on, but it is a burden none of you should have to bear because of your skin color.
Now, here comes some controversy. Probably not hard to believe, but I know I have different views than many of my classmates. From a political standpoint, I typically vote Conservative. Anytime the national anthem is played, I will stand proudly with my hand over my heart. I am proud to be an American and for what the flag stands for. I am a Christian and always have stood for principles from the Bible. I believe the majority of law enforcement puts their lives on the line to serve and protect. I also believe there are officers who have abused their power, judged wrongfully, and tarnished the badge. I don’t agree with looting and crime when peaceful protest is an option. You want to know the great thing? I can still respect other people who disagree with me. And if I walked into a room full of my classmates, I would hug people’s neck who I know would not agree with all my views. Want to know why? We have respect for each other.
The reason I am even bringing the issue up is because of the respect and love I have for those I care about with darker skin tones than myself. If you have not had the opportunity to be immersed in cultures different than your own- you simply cannot understand. White privilege is real. If you can be silent about your race, you are privileged. If you think all people are treated equally, you are privileged. I am privileged.
For those of you who want to dispute the word, “privileged,” let’s go. When I say privileged, I don’t mean financially. My husband and I work hard, long hours on a farm and everything we have we have worked hard for. I paid for my college education without the help of my parents. I bought my first car. The list goes on. What I mean is you can work hard and not be given things in life and still be privileged. When I refer to this, I am simply meaning that I have never been socially discriminated against because of the color of my skin.
From a young age I was taught to stand up for what is right and firmly believe two wrongs don’t make a right. In lieu of recent protests, I think it’s appropriate to address this. Those cities where peaceful protests turned into violent riots are in complete chaos. It saddens me to think riots have overrun the unity of justice for George Floyd and the real problem at hand. While I cannot fathom destroying property and rebelling with violence, I also recognize my privilege has protected me from being in a situation where I felt that was the only way to be heard. Please do not forget there have been plenty of peaceful and cooperative protests which have respected authority and property. Do not let the bad apples deter your support of defeating racism and standing up for minorities who are contributing to society and trying to do the right thing day to day.
While it is important to raise our white children to understand different cultures, what we do and how we show them to live, builds the foundation. I firmly believe racism would end if everyone could love people like Jesus does. If you struggle with that, here are a few things I believe white people can do to make a difference. Interact with people different than you- African Americans specifically. Invite them over for dinner, carpool to baseball practice, and pray for them in times you don’t understand their hardships. For starters it’s easy as being a friend to a mother worried for their children and angry about unfair circumstances.
This is HEAVY, but it has to END. I don’t understand a lot of things, I don’t know what it feels like to be black, and I’m not going to pretend to have all the answers. What I do know is this hurts my heart. I’m a firm believer in the power of prayer and God’s love for all people. It’s time to wake up America. There’s no doubt this world is a mess and the only constant thing we can count on is our relationship with Jesus Christ. And this makes Him sad. For those of us who plan to be in heaven one day, guess what? It’ll be all shades of colors and that makes God smile.
You see, this little RSM Class of 2009 means a lot to me. We are family- even as adults. While the issue of racism is much larger than us, you are my inspiration to do better. The lessons I learned from this group are blessings I will carry with me the rest of my life. So even when we don’t agree and I don’t have the right words to say, just know I’m here for you. Love every single one of you and your life matters to me.
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