Culture/Race

I grew up making very close connections and friendships with


people of color. My best friend since birth was black. When I moved in third grade, my new best friend was also black and we were best friends from the third grade through about 8th grade. I found myself able to relate to them more than anybody I had ever met. Throughout middle school continuing to the beginning of high school, the top 10 to 15 people I hung out with were all black. Something that is extremely interesting throughout this period in my life is that I have been told by all of my black friends at different points in my life that I am “black”. The connection I felt with my friends was undeniably stronger than any other relationship in my life. I am not sure what made my connection towards African American heritage so strong but it has been since I was little and has continued through today. I grew up playing travel basketball at a very competitive level from 3rd grade all the way through my sophomore year in high school. Most of my tournaments were in cities where the population is a majority African-American, as were the teams we played against.  My entire life I grew up around African Americans and not only was I drawn to them, but they were also very drawn to me. This way that I grew up made it so that when I was older and switched from a predominantly black high school to a predominantly white high school, I was uncomfortable. I understand that racially I am not considered black, however culturally I feel a strong connection due to the fact that my entire life I grew up with only African American friends. I believe culturally I was so immersed and that is why I feel so strongly for social issues.               

Rothenberg, P. S. (1998). Race, class, and gender in the United States: An integrated study. New
York: St. Martin's Press. Part 1, Ch 1, 2, 5, 6. Part 2, Ch 2, 4. Part 4, Ch 2.






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