My name is Darrell Adams. I am one of the co-founders of the Alliance. My ancestors were Native Americans, part of the Cherokee Tribe. I am American, and my last name (Adams), is a United States presidential family name. A family that has overtly acknowledged both participating in and benefitting from slavery. My ancestors were conquered, enslaved, and forced to be identified using the Adams name. I migrated to Canada in 2007 partially thinking that I was escaping the overt racism evident in the U.S., I was wrong. I experience racism here in Canada as well, only it comes with a smile.
I am a Black Man, and I am a proud husband and father of two beautiful black children. I say this for the following reason: Western civilization and socialization has conditioned many people to look, think and act a certain way towards me (as well as any and every one that looks like me). More times than not these looks, thoughts & actions are racist in nature, stereotypical, filled with prejudice, and overall negative. Although we (black people) are no longer enslaved (physically), we are still victims of oppression, living with mental, spiritual & emotional trauma due to slavery & anti-black racism. I had my personal racist introduction in the school yard at the young age of 10, and unfortunately history has repeated itself as my 10 year old son just had his own personal introduction while in his classroom.
Many people fear my Black body. Granted, I am 6’5 inches tall, however the fear would be the same if I were 5’6, because at the end of the day I am still Black. Before I can interact with most people (especially those who identify as white) whether it be for business, pleasure or other, I first must find a way to eliminate a number of different stereotypes, prejudices or racist ideas in order to proceed safely (not even my own safety), and quite frankly I’m sick and tired of having to do it. I refuse to continue to accept this as the norm and am working diligently to change the narrative.
I co-founded the Alliance to use my platform to create change for myself, my children, and my fellow Black people. People need to educate themselves across various topics including but not limited to racism, anti-blackness, white privilege, and white fragility. Until the oppressors learn more about what truly happened in the past, their role in allowing it to continue in the present and they can prevent it from happening in the future, we will continue this ongoing cycle of oppression, white innocence & trauma in the black community.
I will lead the Alliance as best I can, assisting people to not only get comfortable talking about racism but also working together to dismantle it. Ibram X Kendi stated “Racist ideas create racist policies.” Through education, communication and action I believe we can create anti-racist ideas and anti-racist policies to create an anti-racist present and future.
To connect with Darrell please email
alliance@uwaterloo.ca
