When will we honor every color?

Francis Wardle was onto something when he said that education is not a one-way street.* As we embrace different cultures through education, we discover far more than simply their history and culture. We are unlocking the potential for true cultural immersion – to better understand our own place in the world and to continue an ongoing journey of understanding and appreciation for humanity’s diversity. In this way, Francis Wardle’s words become tangible and present a challenge to us all: to fully immerse ourselves in other cultures, histories and experiences. By doing so, we are one step closer to achieving harmony and truly embracing different cultures through education.

In honor of Black History Month I wanted some perspective – so I asked 2 dear friends of mine – an interracial couple – what they have experienced as individuals and as a couple during their 20 year relationship.

I have posted this below with their permission – it is unedited…

Perspectives from Bryan and Angie on humanity seeing and honoring every color –

As we drove back from a road trip to visit family, we spent some time discussing your blog post and what we might be able to share. Our conversation started out reflecting to our life together as a couple and our interaction with the world and where color came into play. We talked about going out to restaurants and stores and how that is a place where racist situations can be obvious.

I’ve always admired Bryan’s ability to not allow the opinions, comments or looks from strangers bother him and he spends no time wondering about what other people think that he is never going to see again.  When I asked him about how he is able to do this he said because if he didn’t ignore it he would go insane.

We both agreed that racism still exists today and is ingrained into our systems and all parts of our society. Having spent over 20 years in my relationship with Bryan it has opened up my eyes to how bad, in general, black people are still treated in this country by white people.

Bryan brought up his aunt, a white lady, who married his uncle back in the 60’s and what life must have been like for their interracial relationship during that time when black and white people were not allowed to mix like we see today.  He said because of their relationship it not only helped pave the way for other interracial couples but it exposed his family to a situation where they could see past skin color.  I was welcomed and accepted into Bryan’s family with love and kindness.

We also talked about my family, specifically my Grandpa and how our relationship helped him to stop using old offensive terminology. Through the love and respect he had for me, it provided him the chance to get to know Bryan and he became more aware of his words and he changed them as a result. That was a demonstration of love winning.

Then we looked up the definition of humanity and came back to the initial question in your email. 1. All human beings collectively; the human race; humankind. 2. The quality or condition of being human; human nature. 3. The quality of being humane; kindness; benevolence.

I struggle with the word Humanity or all human beings collectively because I don’t agree that all humans see or honor every color. There is too much hate in our world today and in my opinion only those humans who possess the quality of being humane are the ones who can truly make a difference and will honor every color. We are grateful that both of our families have this quality and we are all better as a result.

How can you honor another color or culture with someone whose path crosses yours?

What question could you ask a fellow human to show your interest in becoming more aware of their racial or cultural perspective and lived experience?

#Awareness #Perspective #Truth #Lived Experience #Education #MiracleActivationCenter

*Francis Wardle first became involved in issues regarding multiethnic and multiracial children when his four-year-old daughter came to him in tears, after a peer used race as a put down. Since then he has created the Center for the Study of Biracial Children, given presentations on multiethnic and multiracial issues throughout the US and Canada, written extensively on the topic, and been quoted in newspapers, magazines, TV programs, and radio stations including NPR. Currently Dr. Wardle teaches at Red Rocks Community College and the University of Phoenix/Colorado Campus, consults for the National Head Start Migrant Program, and writes for a variety of national publications.