Today I will be interviewing ...drumroll please... my roommate and best friend, Alexis! We met during our first week of college, and since then we’ve shared many crazy 3 AM homework parties, endless laughs, and LOTS of High School Musical duets. Our friendship transcends boundaries of race, culture, background, etc., yet we still share so much in common and have gotten super close over the last three years!
Today we want to shed light on some important issues that have surfaced in the last few weeks. Although racism has been ingrained into our society for centuries, its disproportionate impact on the Black community in our country has become very apparent. As students, we should continue to educate one another so that we can affect positive change in our world.
In this interview, we will be discussing the importance of Black history in the fields of education and healthcare, since we’re both currently pre-health students in college. We’ll also be talking about how non-Black students can grow our understanding and support the Black community at this time and forever in the future. Without further ado, let’s get started!
First, let’s get to know you! What are some of your hobbies, interests, aspirations, or passions?
Alexis: I’m a pre-med majoring in sociology, and a chemistry and studio arts minor! Outside of school, I’m on Pitt’s club soccer team. I also love trying out new recipes, running, and hanging out with my friends.
So how does sociology play a role in our everyday lives and the world around us? And how does taking a sociology class benefit students?
A: Sociology is the study of social relationships and interactions, as well as the effects that society and culture have on groups of people. Because it’s all about understanding how societies work, I think it will always be relevant. Majoring in sociology has given me the ability to think critically about social problems, especially the institutional racism and structural inequalities we’re fighting against now.
Why is it so important for students of all ages to learn about black history in schools?
A: Without this type of education, students will go into the world not knowing the stories and systematic causes behind the oppression, health disparities, lack of opportunity, and socioeconomic disparities America’s Black communities suffer from. Without this knowledge, it’s easy for non-Black individuals to make uninformed assumptions based on what they have seen, making statements like, “They’re poor because they’re lazy,” or “If their neighborhoods are so bad, why don’t they just move?”.
And how can they go about pursuing this on their own, both in school and beyond the classroom?
A: The following link has a bunch of good articles and books to read for those looking to learn more about the black community’s history of oppression in America (resources-supporting-black-lives-matter-movement-creative-industry-010620). I would also highly recommend watching Netflix’s miniseries, “When They See Us,” which does an amazing job in capturing the flaws in the US justice system. As for educating yourself in school, take courses about Black History, or probably any course within your school’s Department of Africana Studies. For Pitt students, I suggest taking the course called “African American Health Issues”. It won’t be comfortable for many non-Black, especially white students, but your comfort is a lot less important than fighting ignorance.
Lastly, do you have any other advice for readers who are striving to become better allies to the black community?
A: First, I would say, get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Have those tough conversations about race with your Black and non-Black friends. Don’t be afraid to, respectfully, ask questions about the experience of being Black in America. Secondly, listen. Listening is very important in reaching racial reconciliation because how else will you understand the struggles of a life you will never experience? Lastly, do something. Protest, donate, sign petitions -- whatever you feel comfortable doing. Also, correct your non-Black friends if you hear them say something racist. For example, the n-word is always off-limits. It doesn’t matter if “it was an accident,” or you were “just singing a song.” If you aren’t Black, don’t say it; it’s that easy.
Wow! Thank you so much for providing such insightful commentary and resources for our readers! It’s so important for everyone to continue to educate themselves on topics that are not often taught or explored in depth.
Now I am calling upon all of you to take at least one action, right now, that supports Black Lives Matter and the progress that needs to be made. This can range from watching a free YouTube video, or starting a conversation with your family or friends, to donating money to organizations in need, or attending a protest!
Here are a few free resources to help you get started:
BLM Carrd: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/
For NJ residents: https://blmnj.carrd.co/
TV, Movies, Books, Podcasts: https://blmnj.carrd.co/#ed
Petitions, Donations, Education: https://www.itsnicethat.com/news/resources-supporting-black-lives-matter-movement-creative-industry-010620
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