BLACK HISTORY MONTH
By Tricia Vlasak
What My Grandchildren are Helping Me Learn about Racism
T
here are certain topics I can ramble on about for a few hours (ask me about my dogs and the benefits of pet ownership!). Others, such as race issues, I actively avoid. As a middle-aged, middle-class white woman, I feel woefully unqualified to speak on anything related to Black history. It’s not my story to tell, and I would much rather listen to people of color who have something to say than
attempt to add my two cents. After being reminded that February is Black History Month, I began thinking about my grandkids. My grandkids are the light of my life. They are beautiful and smart and opinionated, just like their mama. As it was with their mama, I would do anything to protect them, keep them safe, and ensure their happiness. Which, I suppose, is what
inspired me to tackle something related to Black History Month. You see, my grandchildren are mixed-race. They are Hispanic, Black, and white. Until I began to educate myself on racial issues in our country, I don’t think I gave that more than a passing thought. Like most white people, I live in a white-centered world. However, I want to do better. So, years ago, I began a quest to educate myself about racism in
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