Notes You May Have Missed Vol. 2
Published on the last Thursday of each month, Notes You May Have Missed features selected notes from the past and present.
These notes serve as an introduction for new readers of N.A.H. and as a recap for regular visitors.
A Checklist: The Cost of Racism & Privilege
“I didn’t create this activity, but in my experiences facilitating with it, I’ve found it to be a good introductory exercise to start conversations on race and to help folks get started in thinking about where they might fit in terms of their own life experiences with racism and privilege.”
An Open Letter To The Parents Of College Students: 8 Things They Want You To Know
“They want you to be proud of them, and how you respond can play a huge role in whether they believe that they can have an authentic relationship with you, or if they feel as if they need to pretend to be another person whenever they come home to visit.”
On Internalized Racism: Moving From Anger To Compassion
“…I was also reminded of something important on my long drive home. Black people are bombarded with negative messages about ourselves on a daily basis.
To grow up in this society where we are constantly told that you are inferior; not just told, but to witness and experience state sanctioned violence and other actions which communicate the message to you that your life does not matter; to exist in this society and not be impacted by the onslaught in any way would be a miracle.”
Create Your Personal SWOT Analysis
“In a SWOT analysis, organizations identify their strengths, their weaknesses, opportunities that, if taken advantage of could increase their ability to live out their mission, and threats that could limit or prevent the continuance of their work.
Organizations do this kind of work all the time, and you know what? So can we.”
Barely Scratching the Surface: Thoughts on Social Identities, Power, Privilege, & Oppression
“I have had the experience of having my own home broken into, and experienced feelings of helplessness after calling the police, only to wait for hours for them to arrive at the scene. Sometimes no one would come at all.
Still, I cannot deny the fact that my college education allows me opportunities for change in status and upward mobility that is not given as easily to those who do not have degrees. In many cases, people without a college education are automatically locked out altogether.”
Thank you for your readership and sharing.
From Aspiring Humanitarian, Relando Thompkins-Jones, MSW, LLMSW
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I know of racism, but have experienced very little of it. When a circumstance might have been harsh, I am fortunate to have remembered my true name. Education is a true power. When you have it, you can research subjects, and wonderings of why this, or why that is the case…still.
Therefore, I am thankful that I live in this time, at this place in history. I have seen some very powerful steps forward, and have heard of some terribly frightening steps back. That’s when I look inside for my strength and my God given right to choose where I want to place my feet. I wish more people used their peripheral vision too. I wish more people saw all colors, not just the ones they prefer. What I know is this, I can hold the light for others. What a blessing to have the internal freedom and the seasoned fortitude to do so!