Never Have I Ever

  Written by: Matthew Deevers, PhD – Executive Director 

Never have I ever been followed through a community, a neighborhood, or a store because of the color of my skin. 

Never have I ever had to consider that people hiring me would look different from me or think of me as other. Never have I ever been complimented for being so well spoken or used as evidence that the system works. 

Never have I ever worried that I may be too White, or not White enough. 

Never have I ever worried about being denied a lease, a loan, or the opportunity to live where I choose.

Never have I ever been told, “Go back where you came from” when expressing disappointment in this country. Never have I ever been asked, “Where are you really from?” 

Never have I ever had to wonder if I was getting less than the best medical advice and treatment from my physician.   Never have I ever been told to value education after skipping parent-teacher conferences.  Never have I ever had to leave my community to buy fresh groceries.

Never have I ever had to fear for my life from those in authority.  Never have I ever had to have The Talk with my sons.

Never have I ever witnessed someone brutalized on the news and known what it feels like.  Never have I ever had to think, That could have been me, my father, my mother, my brother, my sister.  My child.

Never have I ever been so committed to systemic change.

Summit Education Initiative 

stands with those fighting against racism and systemic injustices –  in our community and across this nation. We condemn the murder of George Floyd and this nation’s pattern of disregard for the lives of Black Americans. We will not be bystanders. We stand up for equity. We stand up for justice.