I’m Kyla.

I’m black

I’m a woman

I’m from Detroit.

When you look at this on paper, what do you think? Don’t worry, you don’t have to say it. But we’re all thinking it.

You see, Detroit is my home. The place I love and have loved since September 1991 (before I knew what love was). And Detroit is full of people like me. People who, on paper, may have the odds stacked against them. But when you take a look deeper, listen to their stories, and provide ample opportunity for inclusion, the resultant success is inevitably pervasive.

A lot of people don’t want to talk about race and equity in the context of this country, because we operate under the guise of a “post-racial society.” But in a city heavily populated by a historically disadvantaged and oppressed minority, there’s really no choice in the D. I think about race every day. But then again, I majored in Black Studies at my college. Actually no, that’s not why I think about race and equity everyday. It’s because:

I’m black

I’m a woman and

I’m from Detroit.

I’d love to save uncomfortable conversations for some other time (like NEVER), but I recently learned that the longer we go without discussing how race shapes us and this city (within this country), the longer we persist, ignorant of the struggles, the questions and the concerns of those surrounding us.

We should all take a deeper look into ourselves, share our experiences, and grow from them. Ask the tough questions, listen to the (sometimes harsh) answers and gain insight into new realities we never knew existed. Because if you truly want to help this city, help this country, and help yourself, you must have fruitful discussions. Look at yourself. Look at the country. Start off like this (in a private space, to yourself):

I’m Kyla (AWESOME)

I’m black (historically disadvantaged)

I’m a woman (historically disadvantaged)

I’m from Detroit (regarded as a wasteland)

Then, determine how you can be an ally, how you can help someone else (either to realize their own advantages/privileges to help others, or to use your own disadvantages to grow and assist those from similar backgrounds). When we have more and more of these conversations, we can truly contribute to the renewed and revitalized Detroit that we want to see.

Let me explain: being white does not necessarily make you an “outsider” to the city just like being black doesn’t automatically make you an “insider.” It takes real conversations, real self-reflection, and stepping out of your comfort zone and list of approved community service activities (visit the neighborhoods and help the inner-Detroiters!!!) to really garner that insider perspective. Until then, I’m sure Detroit will STILL welcome you with open arms, but what impact will you truly be making in the long run? Discuss race, fight for equity, and contribute to a more perfect D-TOWNNNN.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?!