A look at systemic racism in Vancouver: Four Black community members share their stories

Listen, learn and take action. These are the three steps toward dismantling systemic racism, outlined by the conversational Zoom event titled Listen to Learn and Lead: Stories from our Black Community. Organized on July 30 by VanTalks and Ready to Rise, Tyler Monk, director of Ready to Rise, facilitated a panel of three additional speakers who discussed their own stories and experiences living in Vancouver as Black individuals. Business Growth Mentor and Analysis Manager Nolan Yaws-Gonzalez, who works under the Carson College of Business at WSU Vancouver, explained Monk had reached out to him and other staff members, giving them information about the event. 

“I asked Kenia [our social media intern] to help promote the event because the goals of the event align closely with WSU Vancouver’s values related to diversity, equity and inclusion and because it sounded like a powerful event that would help elevate the voices of members of the Black community and give attendees insight into how to help dismantle systemic racism,” Yaws-Gonzalez said. 

Ready to Rise helps high school students prepare to attend various institutions in Washington state, including WSU Vancouver, Clark College and Central Washington University. The program helps students grow and succeed in their communities, while teaching them about valuable leadership skills.

Monk had first introduced Nathan Webster, entrepreneur, marine veteran and marketing professor at Clark College. 

“When I was initially approached to talk about whatever my story was, I was sad. I was hurt. And I wanted to bring some pain. Because as a Black man, I feel like an endangered species. … I want to talk to you about what it is like to be Black in suburbia, yet have the privilege of being here but not feeling embraced and safe,” Webster said. “I want you to shift your mindset, just like I had to change mine.”

Webster explained the meaning of tokenism, which is to make a symbolic effort when promoting inclusivity without actual representation. Webster stated in order to make real systemic change and be inclusive, it is important to avoid pitying the Black community, have uncomfortable conversations about race, buy and promote Black Indigenous People of Color businesses, hold government entities responsible and invest in BIPOC education resources that lead to career paths.

Erykah Weems, a graduate of Central Washington University and currently pursuing a master’s degree in social justice at San Francisco State University, shared her story about growing up in Vancouver’s predominantly white community.

“[My] friends and I from high school were often seen as defiant and disruptive. We were those folks that sat at that ‘Black table’, and we owned it. We were often only valued for our athleticism or our artistic blends, yet little did they know, we were leaders of the school. … We were class presidents, we were secretaries, we were also trendsetters.”

Weems explained it is important to change the narrative and address systemic racism by including cultural references in teaching to advance learning, checking personal biases and recognizing your privilege by listening to others’ unique experiences. 

Next Monk had discussed his journey as a first-generation college graduate, keynote speaker, becoming director of Ready to Rise and what he experiences as a Black person living and working in Vancouver. Monk touched on topics such as love for Black culture versus love for Black people, fault and responsibility, implicit bias and checking your perspective to dismantle systemic racism.

“You love Black culture, music, dancing, the way we dress, the way we move, the way we articulate. But you do not have that same energy when it comes to Black people. I want you to analyze that situation,” Monk said. “This is [me] speaking now to the young people that are on this call, there is a difference between fault and responsibility, white folks listen to this too, it is not your fault that your ancestors took people from a continent to bring them over here into slavery, to take away their humanity, their decency. But you best believe, it is your responsibility to change the narrative and be a part of the solution.”

The final panelist, Rashida Willard, is currently the vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at Clark College. Her story started with growing up in Northeast Portland and comparing the experience she had when deciding to move to Vancouver in 2005, finding there is no specific Black community. Willard mentioned the presence of tone policing and microaggressions she often faces. 

“Living in Vancouver, there is always some tone policing that is happening. So what that means is, in my workplace and my interactions with people, I am constantly checking my tone. … If I am not tone policing myself, someone is doing it for me. They are attributing attitudes and anger to the things that I say, even when it is not my true sentiment. But I am around people that look like me in my community, I do not have to necessarily do that, walk on those eggshells,” Willard said. “Microaggressions, discrimination and bias become a disease, and it infiltrates every part of your life, I start to wonder where I belong.”

Willard also brought up the topic of allyship and suggestions for being a truly impactful ally. She explained that it is important to uplift BIPOC voices and have a plan that involves listening, educating yourself and committing to action that leads toward change.

“What I am appreciating is how white folks are starting to wake up and use their bodies to stand with BIPOC folks. However, this work has to center Black lives. … I need to see folks do this work when the camera is not rolling, and when they are not receiving national attention. I need it to become second nature for people to speak up, put their careers, relationships on the line and stand up for something bigger than themselves because silence is no longer okay.”

For more information and full video access to the Listen to Learn and Lead: Stories from our Black Community event can be found on YouTube. A link to racial equity resources provided by Rashida Willard can be found here.