Dr. Rhianna Rogers: Associate Professor, Interdisciplinary Studies (Anthropology and History), SUNY Empire State College – WNY campus. Lead PI of the Buffalo Project.
As you all know, I do not share my thoughts lightly on social media, but I have to say, as a person of color, I am (and continue to be) disheartened by the treatment of people of color (POC) in this country. If racism is ever going to stop (or even improve), POC need sustained allies, people willing to speak up when they hear inappropriate comments about POC, stop engaging in activities that intentionally demean others, and/or personally take supportive action when they see the mistreatment or harm of others. I have said this many times over the past 10 years since living in a place where I encounter racism, biases, and racialized assumptions about my identity, daily (review my research.) If we are to get better as a nation, we have to do it together as a community, one that truly values each and every members' contribution to society and doesn't just listen to a small handful of voices with privilege and power. More importantly, we (POC) need allies and advocates of change to actively support and stand up with us for sustained periods of time if real change is going to happen. Far too many times I have found that when racial images begin to fade from news and social media, so do POC allies...
Remember allies, these images may stop appearing in your newsfeed, but for people of color, like me, I have to live with the feeling of othering everyday, with or without you by my side. I hope you would take the time to read this post and reflect.
I also wanted to share with you all some great resources about educating others about the African American/black experience in the US. I have been sharing this with my students this past week. It can help folks try to understand what it feels like to be a POC in America.
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