Cont- Writer Simone Jackson
57
How can I expect them to have self-respect when the people I entrusted them to learn from were the very same people that could help to damage their self-worth? Many of my Caucasian friends did not understand my visceral rage, and I was told that if my children were not directly hurt by the derogatory statements made toward other black students then I should stay away from the fight. At that moment,
I realized that this is a teachable moment for my kids. Racism exists, and sadly this will not be their only encounter with it.
I now know that I must continue to instill in them that same sense of pride and self-respect that I always have. In this way they will grow to be leaders who are unafraid of adversity, and they will look on with pity at those who still display the small minded racist behavior and attitudes that will always hold them back.
L SIMONE JACKSON