Black History Month is known throughout the country as a month to observe and celebrate the many great things that African Americans have done throughout history; whether it is something as grand as integrating an entire sport like Jackie Robinson, or doing smaller but significant things like taking part in a Civil Rights march.
It is a month used to reflect on how this country has grown in terms of equality for races, and where we have work to do. Today, the UofM decided to reflect on both.
The UofM Collegiate Chapter of the NAACP presented “Since We’ve Been Seen”, an event where “Exonerated 5” member Kevin Richardson talked to a crowd of students about his experience during the case, as well as life after being released from prison and having his name cleared.
Throughout his speech, Richardson looked back at the incident, how it challenged him as a person to get through being in prison for 7 years, and how important it was for African Americans to know their role and true value in society.
“Now we have voice, now we have the upperhand,” Richardson said to the audience. “Y’all are kings and queens, and don’t let anyone tell you any different.” Richardson talked about how it was important to continue to keep going, even after he was exonerated from his “crimes”.
For Richardson, it was important to look back at around the time he was incarcerated, and compare it to now. He talked about how in the 1980s, things were different in New York City than now, mentioning how it was one big cultural melting pot that was not handled before.
“Growing up in New York in the 80s, it was like a racial melting pot,” Richardson said. “Everything that was going on was bad. But when my case happened, it just ignited the flame.”
Richardson reflected on how he could not go to high school and walk down the halls without other people giving remarks like “oh he’s the rapist”. Being labeled as a sexual predator at a young age affected him.
Students were in awe of his story, with some asking questions to gain more insight from Richardson’s story. All of the questions asked were anonymous sources, with the students not being identified.
One question asked was “After being released, did you feel powerful, or powerless”? Richardson paused for a brief moment, then proceeded with his answer. “I was released June 24, 1997 at 7 a.m.,” Richardson said. “When I got out, I kissed the ground. I was happy, yet I was scared because I didn’t know if society still hated me. I was afraid to turn back to society because it was the same place where people of my own skin color turned against me.”
Richardson talked about while it felt great to be out of prison, where he did not belong in the first place, it was scary because he did not know what to expect from the outside world; how would it view him? Was he still seen as a villain? Could he ever fit back in?
Richardson hoped to send a message that would echo not just through the walls of the UC Ballroom, where the event was held, but throughout campus. His challenge to UofM students, especially those of color was vibrant and powerful. In more ways than one, it summed up what Black History Month stood for and reflected.
