Personal Experiences with Racism: A Lifelong Journey of Awareness

Racism and ethnic discrimination are issues that have touched many lives in different ways. In this article, we delve into the personal accounts of individuals who became aware of these injustices at various stages of their lives. Through shared stories, we aim to shed light on the impact of racism and the long journey towards understanding and fighting against it.

Experiences in the Military

My journey into the awareness of racism began in a very personal way while serving in the military. It was not an easy experience. Each morning, peddling my bike to and from my apartment was smooth, but afternoon rides could be perilous due to the increasing risks faced in broad daylight. One particularly troubling incident included a section of two-by-four being thrown at me, and more than once, I had to dodge a glass bottle. It was clear that the projectile-launching community saw me differently due to the color of my skin. This experience was both sad and terrifying, emphasizing the harsh reality of racial discrimination.

First Incidents in School

My awareness of ethnic differences and the impact of racism reached a defining moment when I was in the 7th grade. I was part of Cub Scouts with Eddie Salgado, but his relationship with Judy Martinson took a sudden turn. Her parents, driven by their racist beliefs, intervened, preventing Eddie from dating her. This incident, although unsettling, reinforced the reality of racism and my need to be aware of it.

Family Stories and Early Experiences

My initial awareness of racism was instilled at a very young age, around 5 years old. My father shared a story about a time in the 1950s when he served in Biloxi, Mississippi, with the Army. He recounted meeting a woman from a wealthy family who rejected him after he was offered a ride by a black man, despite the fact that he came from the North. This story deeply confused me as a young child. I couldn’t comprehend why the girl was so upset when a man had done her a kindness. My father explained that the reason was the man's skin color, but I still didn’t fully grasp the concept.

Early Childhood Encounter with Racism

One of my earliest experiences with ethnic discrimination happened when I was around 4 or 5 years old, around 1957. I was with my mother and great-grandmother in downtown Wichita, Kansas. I wanted an ice cream cone, and we were near a Woolworth’s five-and-dime that sold them. My mother tried to purchase an ice cream cone, but when she came out, empty-handed, she explained that we had to go around the corner and down an alley to get it. My great-grandmother simply said, “Because we’re Colored.” The statement confused me, and I accepted it. This was my first introduction to American racism, and it was a stark and peculiar lesson.

As I grew older, especially during the Civil Rights era, my understanding of racism became clearer. These early experiences continued to shape my awareness and the need to fight for justice and equality.

Race Awareness: An understanding and recognition of the impact of racial differences and discrimination. Racism Experiences: Personal encounters and incidents that highlight the reality of racism. Childhood Racism: Early experiences with racism and its lasting impact on personal development.