The neighborhood the author grew up in was very racially diverse, including people who were Hispanic, Somalian, African American, and Caucasian. Their family, friends and school taught them that race did not matter - they valued people for who they are, not their race or ethnic background. As a white person, the author acknowledges they had white privilege, but growing up in such a diverse neighborhood, they never felt more or less than others around them due to their race.

1. How racially diverse was your neighborhood?
My neighborhood was very racially diverse; a few of the races are Hispanic, Somalian,
Concussion, and predominately African American.
What message about race have you received from your family, friends and school as you grew
up?
Race didn’t matter to my family, friends, or school. If you where a different race that is
what made you who you are. I am friends with someone but not because of their race, I would
care for them no matter their ethnic background.
How has your race shaped your life?
Being white I had “white privileges” but growing up in my neighborhood I never felt any
more or less then the people around me.