Listen, Conway.

from Listen, Conway. (June 2020)

Beginning June 9, 2020, and continuing for 30 consecutive days, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce is using its Facebook and Instagram platforms to elevate the voices of Black members of the community as part of a project titled “#ListenConway.”

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce launched #ListenConway in response to the recent high-profile killings of Black men and women by police and the protests that ensued in Conway and around the world, reaffirming that Black lives matter and demanding justice and equality for all. These stories from friends, neighbors, and colleagues are no substitute for concrete action but are an attempt to spark productive dialogue within the community that will lead to positive change.

Internally, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce has engaged a diverse group of business and community leaders to discuss next steps the organization can take to put its commitment to equity and inclusion into practice.

Thirteen stories from the #ListenConway project follow. To read all of the submissions, follow the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/conwayarchamber or Instagram at instagram.com/conwaychamber. You can also search the #ListenConway hashtag on these platforms.

JEFF ANDERSON – Second-Year Medical Student, UAMS

I am a husband, a father, a brother, a son, an ordained Elder, and a former Wampus Cat and UCA Bear football player. I enjoy playing video games, fishing, and playing the piano. I am dedicated, hardworking, loyal, and a fighter for equity. And I am a Black man.

246 years of slavery, 89 years of legalized segregation and Jim Crow laws, 56 years of discrimination (redlining, mass incarceration, police brutality) all because of the color of our skin. Despite these facts, when I speak against the oppression my people have faced, the response is always similar:

1. “Go back to where you came from.” Unfortunately, I don’t know where I came from. I was stripped of the privilege of knowing my heritage.

2. “Compared to how it used to be, everything is equal now.” Equality is not enough. I was once told equality is giving everyone a pair of shoes, but equity is giving everyone a pair of shoes that fit.

Unfortunately, many people in my community are still wearing the incorrect size. It’s hard to compete in a race that started over 400 years ago, but if everyone does their part, hopefully one day we will be able to catch up.

SARAH COLEMAN – Full-time student at UCA, Writer

I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a student journalist, and a Christian. I enjoy painting and everything to do with nature – especially hammocking and the lake. I love spending time with my friends. I am resilient, I am a hard worker, and I like to think I am a good communicator. I am a Black (biracial technically) woman.

I just wish others understood what it is really like to be in the middle of two very different cultures. I wish others could take time to understand what it is like to hold your breath every time you see a police car – not just because you might get a ticket. Or what the wave of anxiety of being followed in a store feels like. I want people to know the struggle of learning to love yourself in a society that praises beauty standards that often do not include or reflect that women of color are also beautiful. I want others to take a second to feel what it is like having your accomplishments dwindled down to, “Oh, it’s because they have to reach a minority quota.” I want others to hear that racism is not just an issue of hatred; it is deeply rooted, and it is absolutely just as much taught as it is ingrained in our society.

SHANEIL EALY – Higher Education Administrator

I am a mom, a wife, a sister, a believer, a best friend, and a leader. I enjoy writing family poems, working out, cooking, gardening and creating experiences that make great memories with friends and family. I advocate, mentor women, and empower others to realize their potential. I am classy, patient, resourceful, poised, generous, and genuine. And I am a Black woman.

Although I couldn’t articulate it at the time, my first experience with racism was in third grade. I was the only Black student in my class. My teacher would make me take my tests at the back of the classroom away from my other classmates. Today, I have a doctorate and hold a leadership position in higher education. My husband and I own two diesel repair companies in Conway and Little Rock. Every day, my husband and I face the dichotomy of operating in two worlds. We are forced to assimilate into boardrooms and our offices in order to be accepted by the majority. We carry the weight of not only being a leader but a Black leader. We represent our Black community and have a great responsibility to operate in excellence so that the generation behind us may be invited to sit at the table. To whom much is given, much is required. Still, neither our successes, our education, nor our reputation can prevent us from being perceived as a threat in our community or our sons, Jase (6) and Henderson (11), from being stereotyped in their schools.

That is my Black experience.

CECILIA ELLIOTT – Executive Assistant to the President/CEO, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce

I am a spirited, young-at-heart, “seasoned citizen.” I enjoy reading, traveling, and working crossword puzzles. I am feisty, strong-willed, independent, and determined. And I am a Black woman!

My experience with racism occurred during my senior year of high school 1969-1970 when the schools in Camden, Arkansas, were integrated. It was hard to say the least – during my first week I was spat on, not for anything I had done wrong but simply because of the color of my skin.

My favorite quote from Nelson Mandela says, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

AIDAN ESLINGER – Author, Actor, Playwright

I am a son, a brother, a creative, a Christian, and a friend. I enjoy writing, reading, watching YouTube, singing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I am smart, determined, visionary, compassionate, caring, and charming. I am a young Black man.

My goal is to entertain and inspire. I’ve published two books and written and directed four stage plays. I own a company and frequently give back to my community.

I do well in school, and I will go to college. Yet, some still don’t see my worth. My mother is afraid for me to take a walk, drive alone, or wear hoodies. Although I’m not a threat, I’m seen as one because of the color of my skin. And if the color of my skin is seen as a weapon, I can never be unarmed. That is my Black experience.

MILLIE GOINS – Military Spouse, Mother, and Public Health Independent Contractor

I am a Conway transplant, UCA alumna, your friend, your sister in Christ, your colleague, your neighbor, or, more memorably, the smile that lights up a room. I enjoy traveling, brunch with my girlfriends, gardening, creating, and spending time with my family. I am loyal, honest, and seek to encourage, educate, and empower others in any capacity I serve. Moreover, I am a Black woman!

Racial hardships make me wonder where God is. Being Black allows me the opportunity to choose compassion for my oppressors, daily, with the realization that unforgiveness is a distraction. Being Black for me is operating, with joy, in a state of misery. Being Black is living in a perpetual cycle of compounded grief, unwilling to accept the assurance of invalidated loss. Being Black is looking past disenfranchisement and smiling at the future. Being Black is being rewarded with resilience, an invaluable asset. Being Black is acknowledging that only God can fix broken people I encounter.

ARTHUR INGRAM – Acxiom Associate

I am a husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, crazy friend, coworker, mentor, and much more. I enjoy spending time with my kids, reading, relaxing, and watching my kids chase their dreams. I am hardworking, loyal, loud and crazy, fun, serious when needed, and sensitive. And I am a (PROUD) Black man.

One of my most important jobs is raising my Black son to be kind, productive, and aware. The conversations I’ve had with my almost 13-year-old have been eye-opening. The things I’ve had to prepare him for while reassuring him that he’s great and that he’s enough can be sobering. I wish people knew that it’s possible to be pro-Black, WOKE, and still support good police! So, when you see me post or hear my loud mouth, please know that it is not anti-police rhetoric or disorder than I seek but equality and growth for ALL!

SHUN INGRAM – Assistant Dean of Student Life, Panhellenic Advisor

I am a son, brother, friend, Christian, and human being. I enjoy playing sports, working out, traveling, reading, and quality time with family and friends. I am positive, bold, fun, compassionate, smart, joyful, and generous. I am a PROUD Black man.

I take pride in my ability to connect with others and leave a positive impact. I occupy many spaces where I am the minority. Within some of those spaces, I have been subjected to moments of racism in the form of microaggressions, racist jokes, stereotypes, derogatory terms, and experiences. These were moments in which I refused to tolerate; I spoke up and addressed them. I will always speak up. However, they should never happen. I shouldn’t have to explain my worth to be seen as human. I also should not fear going for a run because my skin is seen as a threat. Policies and people must change.

TENNILLE LASKER-SCOTT – College Professor

I am a daughter, mother of two sons, sister, friend, and professor. I enjoy reading, reading, and more reading. I love to paint and work with my hands. I am a sports fanatic and travel to watch my favorite teams (Georgia Bulldogs and Pittsburgh Steelers). I love making people smile. I’m a jokester at heart. I am a lifelong learner. I seek out opportunities to learn. I’m self-assured and most importantly, I’m resilient. And I am a Black woman.

My Black experience is intricately and beautifully woven moments that are marred with hatred: Academic scholarships and fellowships reduced and referred to as “charity” or “minority money.” Obtaining a doctorate from a top program and university, met with cynicism and demands of proof from my white students. Delivering my first child and being asked by a nurse if he was biracial because he was so beautiful. Proudly watching the crowd cheer my sons’ athletic abilities on the field and court and those same athletic abilities be the factors of fear for the majority race. My father once said, “Racism is a chokehold on Black joy.” He was right.

CORNELL MALTBIA – Pastor

I am a husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a pastor, and a friend. I enjoy all types of music, but I cannot dance. I also enjoy WWE wrestling and The Young and the Restless. Victor Newman is still my favorite character. I am unapologetically a Black man.

I want you to know that I am multifaceted in my perspective. I am against racism and police brutality. But I support good cops and peaceful protest. I am encouraged by so many in our city publicly condemning racism. And still, I am perplexed by the deafening silence of others. I see the good in our city. And yet, I cannot deny that racism still exists within our borders. Not so long ago, my wife and I were exiting a local store with a buggy full of groceries. Simultaneously, a white couple set off the alarms and began to literally sprint to the parking lot. To my surprise, the associate ignored the couple and demanded to search our entire shopping cart. When I suggested that she turn her attention to the people running across the parking lot, I was told to be quiet and empty my cart. We stood in total shock as we watched their car speed from the parking lot. This is one of many examples of my Black experience.

COREY PARKS – Economic Developer

I am a son, brother, uncle, and friend. I enjoy running, analyzing data, playing basketball, shooting guns, and cheering for the UCA Bears. I am practical, honest, loyal, reliable, and determined. And I am a Black man.

Invisible burdens make being Black in America almost unbearable at times. Not running in a hoodie or dark clothing at night, worrying about moving too quickly during a traffic stop, and researching a community’s demographics before a vacation are all part of my Black experience. However, “You all look alike to me,” and “they all look the same” illustrate my most difficult daily struggle; Black people are frequently not recognized as individuals. This burden leads to sweeping generalizations about people of color and the irrational responsibility of feeling like your words, actions, and opinions reflect on an entire race. Most days this feeling motivates me to be the best version of myself. Unfortunately, that does not make it any less exhausting. I want people to “see color” because failing to do so means not seeing part of my identity or acknowledging the challenges that come with being Black. BUT I am more than my skin color.

SHAWANNA RODGERS – Diversity & Economic Development Coordinator

I am a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, loyal friend, co-worker, mentor, and a woman of faith. I enjoy gardening, helping others, lawn work, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I am human, dedicated, hardworking, confident, encouraging, compassionate, selfless, and forgiving. And I am a Black woman.

My Black is multi-dimensional. It is filled with beauty, love, and joy, yet filled with shock, pain, and frustration, in turn producing an immense desire to be a productive part of understanding and change. My Black, despite the challenges that come with it, is YET filled with HOPE!

As a woman of color, I have been groomed on how to operate in a world that should not see my Blackness as intimidation, less than, or to be profiled but unfortunately in some cases it does. I was taught at a young age to be expressive and to speak my mind, but over the years I’ve learned that when my voice comes forth it is strong, sharp, and oftentimes straight to the point. But that does NOT make me an angry Black woman. The sharpness and strength erupt from a deep passion within my heart. I LOVE my Blackness! My voice is not my words, it is my actions! I will use the opportunities God has given me to be a voice in helping bridge the gap for civility and equality. My Black is multi-dimensional!

RACHEL SIDNEY – Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor

I am a wife and mother of two tiny humans, who loves and believes in God. I enjoy reading, listening to music/podcasts, vacationing, and working out. I am inquisitive, persistent, talented and gregarious, but I value my quiet time. And I am a Black woman.

My Black experience is a rollercoaster of unlearning all of the anti-Blackness that surrounds me: from the teachers who assumed I was unintelligent to the professor who equated my skin tone to a curse; from being denied acting roles because people “weren’t ready for a Black girl” to the military leaders who said my hair didn’t fit their standards; from the folks who tried to prop me up as an exception, an example of the “good Blacks” to me rejecting this notion and embracing my past, the systems that helped create it, and the desire to change them. My Black experience is me everevolving and always reminding myself that I am worthy of love and respect.

#ListenConway

This article is from:

Listen, Conway. (June 2020)