NCORE Student Blog

Melanie Gnecco
Graduate Assistant
June 15, 2010

On Thursday, June 3rd, Rollins Students had the opportunity to presence Tim Wise’s Key note address “Colorblindness and Its Consequences: How Ignoring Race Deepens the Racial Divide”. It was a very influential and effective speech in which students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to listen one of the most prominent anti-racist writers and activists in the United States. Having spoken to over 300,000 people in 48 states, and on over 400 college campuses, Tim Wise has become an important social activist. He works with many institutions around the country training individuals on methods for dismantling racism in their institutions.

Wise received the 2002 National Youth Advocacy Coalition's Social Justice Impact Award in recognition of his contributions to the struggle for equity, as well as the 2001 British Diversity Award for best feature column on race and diversity issues.

Tim Wise Speech Reflection
June 3, 2010
Bailey Robb

I finally fully understand my own internalized racism and I have always known it, but I have finally taken ownership. I have realized that racism is still a problem for everyone and it affects everyone. I suddenly feel as though it is a hidden evil that is slowly eating away at the goodness in people and has been corrupting a society that I hoped stood more for freedom and equality that it ever has. The realization that racism is such a complicated, internalized subject intimidated me and my hopes for change for a moment. I was discouraged when I though of my family and friends, and their willingness to take ownership for their own internalized racism. But I cannot and will not let these realizations stop me from bigger changes I can tackle in time. I cannot please anyone, as sad as that makes me, it is time to speak out and speak up, no matter how some may perceive me. We cannot unite as one until we respect and honor our differences. We will not be equal until we change society from the inside out. More people must take ownership of their actions and thoughts.