Diversity at Minnechaug
Perspective: Being Black at 'Chaug
Kiel Williams, Contributor
I joined the Wilbraham community six years ago, and I knew that coming to a community with more Whites than Blacks would be a little difficult for me, mostly since I was the new kid. I remember in seventh grade, there were times when some students would say racial slurs to me, and at the end of every insult, they would say, "C'mon man, it's just a joke."
But, I was always taught never to give attention to people who wrong you. Whenever I heard those words, I would just walk. I never let it affect me.
Still, although I tell myself that I won't let the words affect me, there are times when I ask myself, "Why is this happening to me?"
My parents say, "Kiel, you have to understand because of your skin color, you will be targeted, and it is your job to prove them wrong."
So that's what I did.
I proved to others that I am more than "just a Black boy." I proved to myself that I could do anything if I put my mind to it. It's one reason that I agrred when towards the end of eighth grade, my history teacher asked if I wanted to give the graduation speech.
I was scared, but then I knew this was my time to shine.
I remember standing in front of my school, and at that moment, I felt that sense of responsibility to represent my school. After all of my hard work and dedication, what awaited me at the end of my speech was a standing ovation, and I felt proud. In that moment, I felt a spark that said: Yes, I could make a difference.
As I entered high school, everyone still remembered me as the guy who gave the eighth-grade speech. Yet, that didn't stop others from saying things like, "You act too white," or, " You are an oreo."
Again, I asked why they called me that. They said, "You don't listen to rap, you don't wear jordans, you dress fancy."
Even after giving my speech and proving that I can make change, I was still singled out because of the music I listen to, because of the clothing I wear, because of how I speak.
Every time those people say those words, it feels like everything I love about myself is ripped away from me.
When I am in my classes, especially my history class when it came time for Black History Month, no one talked about it; it was never mentioned. It wasn't until I went up to my teacher and asked why don't we talk about Black History, why don't we learn something new. I tried I really did whenever I had the chance and the teachers did not say anything about the importance of Black history.
Not only was Black history not talked about in class, whenever we were talking about a topic of African Americans, I was singled out. When I looked around the classroom, I realized why this was happening to me: I was the only black kid in my class.
I was targeted because of my skin color not only when I first joined the Wilbraham community but even now.
Nonetheless, I believe we are on the verge of change because teachers and students are showing that people who are different do matter.
For once I am finally proud to be truly part of Wilbraham and if we continue going in the right direction then every good thing that we want in our community will come to fruition.
Ally Testimony: 'What we Share'
Club Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion
Student of Color Testimonies
Chaug's Response to Racism and Discrimination Comes Better Late Than Never
Teacher's Blog hits 15k followers
Wilbraham Public Library Teen Book Club is Back!
Class of 2024 Announces Upcoming Tastebook Fundraiser
Ethan Quill	• Mar 24, 2021 at 12:24 pm
Kiel Williams 2024!!!
I hope everyone's having a good day, treat everyone you meet equally.
https://minnechaugsmokesignal.com/957/opinion/perspective-being-black-at-chaug/#comment-552
George Menard	• Feb 12, 2021 at 12:47 pm
I hope this story helps people learn to grow as an individual, in ways people should have a long time ago. Thank you for sharing this very impactful and important perspective.
Ariana S	• Feb 12, 2021 at 7:21 am
Thank you for sharing your experiences, and what you have gone through.
Jacob	• Feb 11, 2021 at 1:00 pm
Kiana G	• Feb 11, 2021 at 9:51 am
Thank you for sharing this. It is so inspiring how far you have come and to see what you are becoming in spite of all the difficulties you face. I understand the struggle of having to prove people wrong, and I hope one day we can all see each other for what we are underneath. You are an amazing person and I am sure you will continue to do great things.
Nikolai Stroganow	• Feb 11, 2021 at 8:24 am
It must be hard, in such a progressive state like Massachusetts, to be singled out and ridiculed for features you cannot control. What you experienced here shouldn't have happened because from what I've seen, you're much more than just the "black boy" who dresses and acts unlike what is expected from his race. You're definitely a beacon of hope and positivity in this school, and I'm glad that you can feel comfortable in this community, Kiel.
Lauren Beaudin	• Feb 11, 2021 at 8:16 am
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences on a public platform like this. I think it's so important for people to recognize the importance and impact that language can have on others. You're an amazing person and class president…I'm sure you'll continue to accomplish great things!
Nha N	• Feb 11, 2021 at 6:49 am
Thank you for sharing your story. Putting up with people's negative comments still to this day just shows how strong you truly are.
Kevin Tessicini	• Feb 11, 2021 at 6:47 am
Kiel, thank you for sharing this, it takes a lot of courage to say these thing. People really do need to be better and not say these kinds of things, thank you for standing up. You are the best president class of 2022 could ask for.
Claire Robinson	• Feb 11, 2021 at 6:46 am
Thank you for sharing this story. I think it is so so so important that these stories have light shed on them because without that nothing will change. I feel empowered to be able to call myself a classmate of Kiel's and I really think this is only the beginning of his greatness. Great job!!
Mya A.	• Feb 10, 2021 at 9:14 am
This is a very inspiring . People really do need to be better, it's important for everyone to not treat people differently. Everyone should be putting in the effort so everyone feels equal, it's not fair that you had to go through that. But it's inspiring how you didn't let it go and fought for what is right.
lexee o	• Feb 10, 2021 at 9:10 am
this is incredible. it takes a lot to stand up for things like this and by you doing that it shows how strong you are.
Jake b	• Feb 10, 2021 at 9:00 am
I think this is a very unfortunate but inspirational story, I am sorry you would have to go through anything like this and that behavior from other people shouldn't be tolerated. I am glad you now feel that you are more apart of Wilberham and that you can power through the comments other people are making.
Mr. Roy	• Feb 10, 2021 at 7:09 am
Kiel, you are a special man. You have so many gifts to give to people. You will continue to brighten up people's day far beyond the walls of Minnechaug when you graduate. We certainly as a country have work to do, but I believe there are more people who want change than people who do not. Empathy is a simple word, but for some reason, there are people who choose not to have it. Please keep doing what you're doing as you will continue to make Minnechaug a better place and our world a better place one day at a time.
Emma Pszeniczny	• Feb 8, 2021 at 11:51 am
Thank you for sharing your powerful experiences and story. I agree that our community has a long way to go in our racial equality, and I believe that this article has sparked more awareness. Standing alone when you know you are right is so difficult, but our school and our town is so lucky to have you as one of our leaders.
Leah Kagan	• Feb 8, 2021 at 10:17 am
Thank you for sharing your experience. I think your perspective is a very important one for lots of people at our school to hear.
Kayla White	• Feb 8, 2021 at 10:03 am
Kiel, you are amazing for sharing your story. Change starts with awareness and with people like yourself speaking out. Continue to love yourself, no matter what. Everything you have shared is so important.
Anthony Grasso	• Feb 8, 2021 at 7:28 am
Thank you for sharing your story, It takes courage to stand up for what you believe in and to say what is on your mind and I respect it a lot. I hope we can make changes and do what is right in this community .
NaTasha Cox	• Feb 8, 2021 at 7:22 am
Kiel, I can relate where you are coming from, I've been in this town and community, basically my whole life and the points that you made is what I going through too. Especially in history classes and my song choice, and all of that. But we are in this together and hopefully go in the right direction.!
Jaclin Robinson	• Feb 8, 2021 at 7:15 am
This story is inspiring to everyone in the Wilbraham community. It takes courage to stand up for what you believe, even when you know the other person is in the wrong. I am happy to hear there is a change happening and making people become aware that this happening in our own school.
Margaret Szpakowski	• Jan 28, 2021 at 5:26 pm
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope that recent events will help our community make much-needed improvements.
Quinn Suomala	• Jan 22, 2021 at 9:23 am
Kiel this was an incredibly powerful piece. I am so sorry you had to go through all of this. You are such an amazing person and I hope that Wilbraham and the rest of the world continues to change. If there's anything I can do, please let me know.