The murder of George Floyd a few months ago caused an unparalleled awakening for millions of Americans who finally have started to come to terms with the harsh reality of racism in this country’s culture. From young to old, white to Black, gay or straight, it seems for many that an cathartic moment of reflection has arrived in the aftermath of that tragic moment in Minneapolis.
This was the case for Tori Paxon and Heena Paracha, two women of color who began their friendship when they attended Easton High School a few years back. While both Tori and Heena were all too familiar with racism in their community, the Floyd death was the kind of wake up call to move from passive resignation to becoming activists. The question was how to become proactive?
Luckily, Tori, who had interned with the Spy after high school, was well-versed in multimedia’s power. Within a few weeks, the women agreed that an ongoing video series on race was the most potent option. And by the end of June, they had become co-producers of “The Race Thing,” beginning with a powerful takedown of a recent Talbot County Council meeting where at least one council member seemed to marginalize the seriousness of the problem locally.
In their Spy interview from last week, Pack and Paracha talk about the process of awakening, their experience growing up and what they want to achieve through this creative tool of multimedia to bare witness to this evil agent in our society and ways to “unlearn” how a community thinks for generations to come.
This video is approximately four minutes in length. To watch episodes of The Race Thing please go here
Elizabeth Freedlander says
It is very exciting to hear the voice and intention of these young people. It gives me optimism. The statement about unlearning and relearning resonated with me. The Spy’s encouragement of their talents and ambition is admirable. Proud of you Tori and Heena!
Connie Lauffer says
Watching and listening to these two bright, beautiful, caring young women makes me so hopeful for our future. Can we finally speak openly and honestly to each other and more importantly listen and be willing to try to undo some of the harm that’s been done to people of color or to anyone that is “different”.
I smiled with tears in my eyes as i watched this video and the others that they’ve made.
Keep it up girls, you make us proud!!
Stephen Schaare says
These two people are just finding out about racism? Don’t look forward to that dialogue on race. May hear things that will shock your sensitivities. Must be recent arrivals to planet Earth. Good luck girls.
Keith Watts says
Tori and Heena,
Kudos to you. When I look at you, I see two new Members on The Talbot County Council. Or two future Senators from the State of Maryland. Or the President and Vice President of the United States of America.
Or more importantly, two inspiring human beings who through their work have already shaped the world in a positive way — and who can’t help but do so their whole lives, in ways they can’t yet possibly imagine.
John Lewis, Shirley Chisholm and Maryland’s own son Elijah Cummings are smiling right now somewhere . . . .
Self awareness of personal beliefs influences outcomes. And through your caring about your community, you have guided us — and gently reminded us — to be aware — self-aware.
“You cannot trace how you came to the belief that there is a lamp on the desk in front of you, or how you detected a trace of irritation in your spouse’s voice on the telephone, or how you managed to avoid a threat on the road before you became consciously aware of it. The mental work that produces impressions, intuitions, and many decisions goes on in silence in our minds.” Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman.
https://www.aesc.org/insights/magazine/article/checking-your-blind-spots
Thank you Tori and Heena — for your initiative, your spirit, your drive, your power to inspire, your ability to spark conversation — and your love for humanity.
It is the human ability to believe something even in the face of contrary fact that challenges us every waking moment. Thank you for holding up a mirror, so that we may gaze into our own hearts before we judge the hearts of others.