ALRINGTON – Chauntell Hudson, 16, grasped the nature of racism here after moving from Seattle eight years ago.
Children are innocent, but they learn racism as they grow and learn their differences with others, said Hudson, whose father is black and whose mother is white.
That dawned on Hudson in the fourth grade when a student called her “blackie” and told her to go back where she came from.
Hudson has grown up hearing racial slurs and derogatory words from other students. She’d overhear as the students said those things behind her back or when they passed her in the hall – never to her face.
Now a junior at Arlington High School, Hudson said she feels safer, but added: “I don’t think it’s gotten much better. It’s just pushed under the table.”
To learn what she can do about racial issues in her community, Hudson participated in an all-day anti-racism workshop on Saturday. The workshop, sponsored by the city and the Arlington School District, drew about 75 people, including approximately 20 high school students, said Gary Howard, a facilitator.
A cross-burning incident committed by two Arlington teens in March at the home of Pastor Jason Martin, a black minister, prompted the community to look seriously at overt acts of racism, particularly at the high school.
The teens pleaded guilty afterward.
“If I didn’t choose to forgive those guys and practice my faith, this will not be happening,” Martin said.
At the workshop, people brainstormed ideas about what actions the community can take to address racial issues. Among the suggestions was holding community events such as an arts or music festival to celebrate different cultures, or creating a multicultural center.
It’s time to turn concepts into actions, Martin’s son, Tyshaun Martin said.
“The main thing is we just have to do it,” said Tyshaun Martin, 18.
Cameron Vasiliou, 16, attended the workshop as a representative of the high school.
“I’m learning all the people (at the workshop) want to change the community in the same way,” said Vasiliou, a junior.
After the cross-burning incident, Hudson, Tyshaun Martin, Vasiliou and other students formed a group to discuss racial issues at the school. The group now has seven members, Vasiliou said, and is trying to recruit more students.
The city is planning to form a group of volunteers to implement the action plans discussed at the workshop, Mayor Margaret Larson said.
Improving racial issues involves a long, gradual process in the community, she said.
“Hopefully, it will be never-ending,” she said.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or y nohara@heraldnet.com.
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