Racism In A Small Town©

I used to feel completely proud of the town where I grew up—until I discovered a book outlining the town’s laws from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Reading it was eye-opening and deeply upsetting. It revealed that slavery played a major role in the town’s foundation. At that time, Native Americans and African Americans were only allowed within town limits if they were enslaved. The book described enslaved people as property, stripping them of humanity and rights. I was furious for months, driven by a desire to somehow change the horrifying reality documented in those pages. But eventually, I came to understand that while we can’t alter the past, we can influence the future. History doesn’t have to repeat itself.

I’m proud of my diverse background. I identify primarily as Native American (Cherokee and Blackfoot), with African American roots (Ghanaian), and European ancestry (Irish, German, and Scottish). No matter what mix I come from, one thing is certain: I’m fully human and deserve the same rights as anyone else. Growing up in a multiracial family has shaped how I view people—not by their race or skin color, but simply as fellow human beings.

The “perception” people often talk about is one passed down through generations—a legacy of prejudice that persists. We can try to educate others, but without open hearts and minds, that effort often goes nowhere. True progress comes when we stop judging differences and instead see each individual as just another person.

Ultimately, no race chose to exist; our presence is the result of a higher power, evolution, or whatever one believes in. The key is to learn how to coexist. Most of us are educated enough to understand that cooperation is far easier and more beneficial than constant conflict. If we approach each other with mutual respect, there’s no need for division or hostility.

Racism In A Small Town©

Copyright 2016, 2025

By Felina Silver Robinson