My ancestor was Ovid Butler. He founded Butler University because he thought Blacks and Women should have the same right to an equal education as white men. For knowledge knows no color or gender. This I truly believe. After all, it’s in my blood…
Well, last week I had an unexpected experience that really changed me. It was shocking, sad, but in the end, hopeful.
I had a beloved book as a child called, Little Black Sambo. How I would giggle as this little African-American boy ran around the tree and tigers turned to butter as he fed his village! I always thought his name was literally, Sambo. That was until last week. Me and one of my girlfriends, who happens to be African-American, were talking about our favorite childhood books. She huffed back at me that Little Black Sambo was totally derogatory! I, of course, didn’t remember it that way. As I remember – it was a very dark, almost black-skinned child, with big pink lips. He had ripped clothing. I just remember him being happy and saving the day. But maybe I was wrong. My friend was clearly frustrated so I told her I would do some research on this little boy Sambo and try to get a better understanding.
After discussing it with another friend later that week, they recommended a documentary called The Origin Of The Sambo, The Coon, And The Mammy (Ethnic Origins). I watched it. And in less than 60 minutes I learned how African-Americans had been portrayed negatively in all aspects of media from books to cartoons. Things I innocently loved. Even Bugs Bunny. And at that moment I realized my perceived innocence was true ignorance, and for my entire life I had been taking in images and scripts meant to mock and suppress an entire group of people.
Mind you. I grew up in a home where the N-word was never used, which I’m sure a lot of white people can say. For as long as I can remember I always had multi-cultural friends. I get white-privilege… Hell, before this experience I even attended BLM meetings from time to time looking for ways to help and become a true ally. So here I am thinking I’m a “woke” white woman, and I’m clueless. I am an UNINTENTIONAL RACIST, and I am literally sick about it.
What do I do?
How do I change it?
My friend, Carlton, says we need to change the narrative, literally. So, I this year decided I would donate some pro-black esteem books to the local school libraries. Then, it hit me – we could turn this into a charity! So the charity, trueNARRATIVE, is in the works. We hope to focus on changing the way African-Americans are portrayed in the media, history, and advertising. I hope my Uncle Ovid is looking down smiling that I finally got a clue last week. A reminder to everyone to keep an open mind and open dialogue when discussing race. Through understanding, we can ignite change.