Continued: Course brings TRHT to WMU Students

Speaking your truth

The class met twice a week for a little over an hour to discuss various topics the students were familiar with, but did not have a complete understanding of the origins, in addition to topics they had never encountered. Within the course, an emphasis was placed on open and honest discussions rather than assignments. These discussions are what left a lasting impression on the students. The discussions brought light to concepts that they were acutely aware of but could not necessarily name.

“For me it was redlining,” says Williams when asked which class discussion stood out to her the most. She remembers driving through her hometown and other cities in Michigan and noticing very clear distinctions between where people of different racial groups live and go to school. “You internalize it and you see it, but you don’t really know what’s happening or why. Getting the technical terms and the history of segregation was really eye-opening.”

Harden, a freshman from Canton, Mich., was encouraged by his classmates’ willingness to participate in conversations and speak their minds.

“You really have to be in this class if you want to be involved in the learning,” he says. “You really won’t learn anything if you just sit back and do the written assignments. This class wasn’t necessarily about the work, but what you take away from it.”

The discussion-heavy structure pushed the students to engage with each other, even when the topics were sensitive. Taylor applauded Williams for opening up about difficult discussions she had with her family about topics related to the class. Both students got emotional when talking about the bravery it takes to have uncomfortable conversations — especially with people you love.

On the final day of the course, the students participated in a Racial Healing Circle, an experience characterized by sharing individual truths and stories in order to reaffirm humanity and increase consciousness, awareness and empathy.

“I had never heard of Healing Circles until this class,” says Taylor. “I think it’s something that should be done within families and at school or at work. You get a chance to put everything out in the open. You don’t feel judged. Today, I felt like I really got a chance to just talk and not be interrupted. I spoke my truth and it didn't matter whether somebody agreed or disagreed."

Crea Taylor, WMU Student

Harden says hearing other students open up about their experiences created a stronger sense of unity. “Hearing how many people had the same experience really stuck with me. As an African American, if you are always isolated, you feel like you’re the only one really going through it.”

Moving forward

All three students recommend the class to “anyone who wants to learn.” Taylor added that it’s exciting to see people learn and reevaluate their thoughts and behavior.

Wilson was excited to report more students will have the opportunity to enroll when the course returns in the Spring of 2020. The inaugural class achieved its goal of teaching a more complete history to students and empowering them to get engaged.

Harden, Taylor and Williams all identify as people of color, like the majority of the students enrolled in the course. They agree that it would have been interesting and beneficial to have more races in the class to share their viewpoints. They hope a more diverse group of students will enroll in the future.

“We had different members of the TRHT Leadership as guest speakers during the course and that provided tangible examples for students on how to get involved in the work,” Wilson said.

"There needs to be a change and the change starts with us," reflects Williams. "It is time for us to point out and challenge these stereotypes. They are there because a lot of people don't see them -- and I was one of those people until I took this class."