A Conversation About Race

To the Editor:

My name is Cameron Deselin. I’m a sophomore at Newtown High School and I am part of a class called “Conversations on Race” which is taught by Ms Amy Repay at the school. The purpose of the course is to understand what racial issues and racism are, and the history behind racism as well as open discussion on how to prevent racism. During this semester, our class has covered many topics to raise our awareness of racial issues in today’s society.

 I have lived in Newtown almost all of my life and it is a great town to live in. It is, however, not very diverse. Because of that, I sometimes wonder what minority races feel like living in Newtown. People often think that the issue of race doesn’t affect us here but it does. The issues of race are subtle, what can we do as a community to heal race issues and to educate ourselves? Ms Repay’s course helps the students raise questions and develop ways to address racial issues.

Some actions that the community can take are:

1. Educate ourselves on someone of a different race such as the black poet Robert Hayden or the Greensboro Four. Think about why their lives were important and adopt one of their virtues in your own life such as creativity or courage.

2. Racism is subtle. Notice your own thoughts and feelings when you observe someone of another race on television or walking down the street. Are you making assumptions about them before you even start to think? Make a point to be aware of the ways racism can creep into your own thoughts.

3. Don’t be afraid to talk about issues of race in your family and community. Make your own plans to find ways to heal the racial rift. Find ways to learn about other cultures and races and bring something that interests you into your own life. An example of this would be an activity such as music, art, or even a sport that is unique to a culture.

I hope that this letter will inspire community members to have their own conversations on race and to be aware of race issues in their own lives. Maybe someone will have other ideas about racial healing and unity.

 “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something: I will not refuse to do the something I can do.” —Helen Keller

Sincerely yours,

Cameron Deselin

4 Still Hill Road, Sandy Hook                                        June 18, 2012