Racism still exists. Those who deny its existence may be racists themselves or ignorant of the state of today’s world. Either way, the impact of racism is devastating. Especially when it comes to different systems we have in place. As a minority, I’m aware that this isn’t just a “black” issue (as all minorities have likely been on the receiving end of some kind of prejudice or racism) but for the sake of this post, I'm centering on my perspective and observations as a black woman. I've experienced racism, both openly and silently, and when I saw it pour into different Christian environments, I grew upset, angry, and hurt. I’m aware that race was and still is an issue for some people, but as a longtime Christian, I expected better from other believers. After the 2016 presidential election, it appeared increased levels of hatred descended amongst this country along with many different Christian communities in ways I'd never seen or experienced before. A close colleague of mine suggested the election was an excuse for "closest racists" to come out of hiding. Although, were they really in hiding? Prior to 2016 when Barack Obama was in office, racial tensions were still at an increased high and likely even higher, because, despite a sometimes controversial yet scandal-free presidency, a lot of people weren't happy to see him in office. Regardless, the culture, relationships, alliances, and different belief systems following the most recent election only magnified the current racism that had been present all along. I even pretended not to notice how sexist, racist, and hateful some of the friendly acquaintances I had relationships with, were. Pretending not to notice was a coping mechanism because I didn’t want to face reality. The reality was that a number of different people I chilled with, prayed with, and fellowshipped with were not nearly as Jesus-friendly or loving as I thought. Realizing that, felt like a sucker punch to the gut but also turned out to be a good thing too, because it toughened me up in personal and spiritual areas of my life where I’d been weak. Racial tensions and different political affiliations can test your weak spots and bring division and ugliness you never imagined coming. It’s utterly discouraging and heartbreaking but yields an opportunity for growth. But despite any differences or dismantled relationships, I still have faith that things can change for the better. I believe I can be the change I want to see in this world. And so can you, if that’s your choice. When someone makes a racist comment, posts racially offensive things online, handles me or another minority unfairly or poorly because of skin color, uses religion to support their racism, or hides behind politics, I won’t be hateful back. I will exercise self-control, choose my battles wisely, stand my ground, and speak my truth. While I’ve allowed fear to keep me silent in the past, I’ve recognized the damage silence can bring. Silence can easily be mistaken as compliance and I can’t allow that. We as a society shouldn’t allow it either. I can’t say for sure if racism will be something that ends completely, but I hope progress to eliminate it will be accomplished someday.
I’m a Black educator in my fifth year of teaching middle school English, and in my third as the 8th Grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community) Lead. And while I genuinely enjoy the purposeful work I get to do, seeing the growth of my scholars, and continuing to hone my skills in a content area I’ve loved since I was a little girl, I’ve had to confront some unpleasant experiences in this space. I’d been through much worse when I was an academic advisor at a Christian university. Racism, sexism, harassment, and workplace bullying were sadly norms in that environment. However, some of what I’ve experienced as a Black educator hasn’t been normal … It doesn’t seem normal to be the only Black educator in my department – in a predominantly Black school. One of my Black colleagues once said, “It should look like a Tyler Perry movie in here.” But it doesn’t. It didn’t feel normal being reprimanded in a meeting (during my second year of teaching) by an administrator who went in on...