African-americans self segregating at BS

Alexz825Mom
Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:24:12 +0000

In another post someone mentioned that while visiting they noticed than many African-Americans we ‘self-segregating’ on campus.

I will admit that for many minority children bs is something very new. If you are from the midwest, where only “bad” kids go to bs, they have little support from their friends and family. If they are first generation bs students it is also difficult when even your experiences are new to your parents. Many of these students have similar issues that first generation college students have.

It is also difficult to be new anywhere bs is no different.

In any situation, most times we want to gravitate towards anything that is familiar to us. For African-Americans it is usually each other, those that look like them. For others it is their sports mates, in my d’s case it is other dancers. It is already really tough being a teenager, thus being away from home, schooling and living with a new group of people, often for the first time surrounded by others who are as smart or smarter than they are…etc…it is tough and a bit scary.

As a minority parent, I researched and read many accounts of minorities in situations that are very new. I worked very hard with my d to explain to her how and why assimilation into the entire community was not only needed but expected. I believe most minority parents dont or arent able to get their teens to understand the importance of this life long skill.

What can others do? Parents make sure you teach and discuss the idea of inclusion. Students, just have a conversation with someone that doesnt look like you. You will find that regardless of the visual you will have more in common that you believe. Join different kids in the dinning hall or while watching a sporting event.

My d’s school is focusing on inclusion this year, they discuss it at school and I reinforce it from home.

With a little support from the parents, and effort from all students the ‘self-segregating’ on campus will decrease and a more unifying community will emerge and thrive.

Just my 2 cents.

Comments and vieiwpoints welcome.