Our Activist Profile series highlights RaisingVoicesUSA members who have found their path to civic engagement by raising their voice for the issues they’re most passionate about.
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Issue/Cause:
Anti-Racism Activism
What was your first experience as an activist and what brought you to that cause?
My first experience was at the age of eight. My grandfather and parents owned a five-and-dime store and I was expected to help out in the store. I was paid 5 cents an hour for my labor. I asked for a raise but management denied it. I made a sandwich board and picketed in front of the store. I then went to the lawyer’s office next door and asked if he would take my case. After management agreed to arbitration proceedings I finally received a fair wage of ten cents an hour. I believe this experience led me to my early work as an attorney specializing in social justice issues.
What initiative are you most proud of?
I have worked on numerous causes in the past but to date I am still most proud of the work I did for HIV/AIDS awareness at the elementary and middle school levels. In the mid 90’s I chaired the PTA AIDS Awareness committee for a local elementary school and eventually co-chaired the same committee district-wide. I was instrumental in instituting a district-wide acknowledgement of World AIDS Day and in providing programs, speakers and support materials which encouraged the schools to adhere to the NYS mandated curriculum.
What projects are you working on now?
In addition to co-chairing Raising Voices’ Unity and Diversity Committee I am co-leading the Anti-Racism Project. The Anti-Racism Project seeks to educate participants about how institutionalized racism, internalized racism and white privilege feed oppression. This communal experience will culminate in the development of concrete social action plans for racial justice. The Anti-Racism Project is meant to be life-changing: transforming community members into dedicated social change activists working to create a society that is truly egalitarian.
What advice would you give to someone raising their voice for the first time?
Silence is destructive within any society. It is hard to speak out against injustices, especially if you feel you are a lone voice; but once you take that first step and raise your voice you will find that you will be joined quickly by other similar voices. What begins as a whisper within yourself gathers momentum and becomes an impetus for change.
Any other advice or resources to share?
It is important to network and to maintain your composure.