Black Student Interviews

Melia E.

What are your dreams, hopes, and/or aspirations? Future plans?

“In the future, I’d like to be a psychiatrist. I [have been] interested in psychology since I was 11, and psychiatry is a field I’m really interested in. I don’t have many plans for the future, but becoming a psychiatrist is my main goal.”

If at all, how do you think your racial background might affect your aspirations?

“Since I’m half white (from my mom), and I’m not really in touch with the other side of my family, I wouldn’t say my racial background affected my aspirations. It mostly comes from my mom, she inspires me to be successful and happy with the path I take.”

What does Black History Month mean to you?

“I believe it’s very important, a month of learning black history and not erasing the bad parts. History books can often ignore America’s bad, or make it seem not as bad if you understand. To me, Black History Month is a great time to empower black voices and learn from African-American leaders before us.”

What is your personal definition of diversity? Do you consider MCHS to be diverse (considering the student body population is majority Asian)?

“Diversity means a variety of different people, whether that be race, gender, class, religion, etc. MCHS seems to be pretty diverse. It is majority Asian, but I think it’s diverse because I’ve met people from lots of different backgrounds.”

Considering Stockton’s diversity, what are some positives to living in this city?

“Being in a diverse city means you get to learn from people from all types of backgrounds. I think the more diversity there is, the more educated you are. You can also learn about different cultures through the different events that go on.”

On the other hand, what are some negatives that you’ve experienced living in this city?

“Although we do live in a diverse city, there is still a fair share of racism. That comes with almost any city though, and I don’t think it’s that bad here. People, mostly kids, will use the n-word, because they hear black people say it. Some kids aren’t taught the severity of using slurs, and it can become an issue. Other than that, there aren’t that many downsides.”

Do you prefer the label “Black” or “African American” and why? If these labels don’t really matter to you, why?

“It doesn’t really matter to me. Neither are rude or discriminatory, so I don’t care what label is used on me.”

Do you feel comfortable in your learning environment as a student of a marginalized community? If not, why?

“Yeah, I’ve always felt comfortable in my learning environment. Luckily, I was treated pretty equally throughout school, because I’ve lived in Stockton my whole life. Everyone is pretty accepting of each other here.”

Have you ever experienced difficult situations in your life because of your race?

“I guess so, but it’s mostly because I’m black and the rest of my family is white. I feel like I can be treated differently than the rest of my family members, but nothing super crazy—just little microaggressions towards me.”

What makes you proud to be black?

“ . . . black women that have created various things that we use today. Like, Marie Van Brittan Brown, who helped create the first home security system. Without her, we may not have had home security at all, or like the [level of] security [that] we have now.”

Are there any final thoughts, opinions, or experiences relating to your racial background that you want to share?

“Just that black people can have very similar and different experiences! Because of my background, I would say my experiences can be a lot different.”

Mekhi R.

What are your dreams, hopes, and/or aspirations? Future plans?

“In the future, I'd like to be a business owner/CEO and right now I would love to be a social media personality. I've been obsessed with YouTube and making videos since I was 7, and being able to pursue my passion would be a dream come true.”

If at all, how do you think your racial background might affect your aspirations?

“Being Black in this industry is hard in a white-dominated industry—especially one that hardly rewards Black creators for their work—is tough. I know my talents will shine through, as they've had in the past, so I'm not too worried about my racial background affecting my opportunities, but it is harder to come up as a Black social media star.”

What does Black History Month mean to you?

“Black History Month has always been celebrated in my immediate family for as long as I could remember. I see it as imperative for everyone, not just Black people, to know the history and hardships faced by people who allowed people who look like me to be able to do what I am able to, today.”

What is your personal definition of diversity? Do you consider MCHS to be diverse (considering the student body population is majority Asian)?

“My personal definition of diversity is looking around and seeing different types of people with different social and racial backgrounds. I do consider MCHS to be more diverse now than it was. I am the only Black male in the class of 2022, so it was nice seeing a lot more people who look like me in the class of 2023.”

Considering Stockton’s diversity, what are some positives to living in this city?

“One positive of living in Stockton would be the opportunity of Middle College. Dual-enrollment, where you get to also go to a college campus, is something that I feel every student who wants to go to college should experience.”

On the other hand, what are some negatives that you’ve experienced living in this city?

“A negative to living in this city is the stigma around it being ‘ghetto.’ I never grew up around the bad areas of Stockton so I really never experienced anything dangerous, but it's always shunned upon for being one of the most dangerous cities to live in America. There also isn't much to do in Stockton versus other California cities.”

Do you prefer the label “Black” or “African American” and why? If these labels don’t really matter to you, why?

“I prefer either because I am Black and African-American. These labels do matter to me as African-American is my ethnicity, not anything else. I don't really mind either term though.”

Do you feel comfortable in your learning environment as a student of a marginalized community? If not, why?

“Yes, I do feel safe in my learning environment. MCHS is not a discriminatory place at all. I feel like [the] majority of everyone here is a minority, so I do get a sense of clarity and safety between me and my peers.”

What makes you proud to be black?

“I am proud of being Black because of the intensive history and the amazing people who came before me. I am grateful for my skin, and I take pride in my history.”

Are there any final thoughts, opinions, or experiences relating to your racial background that you want to share?

“Nothing except support black creators and small black businesses!”