My First Encounter with Racism: A Childhood Story in the 1970s South

In this episode, I share my very first experience of being exposed to racism as a child growing up in the rural South during the 1970s. At just eight years old, an innocent invitation to play on a trampoline turned into a painful lesson about exclusion, bigotry, and the way prejudice is passed down through generations.

But this story is also about courage. When I was told I wasn’t welcome, one Cub Scout Den Mother stood up for me, making it clear that if I wasn’t accepted, none of the kids would be a part of it. That moment showed me not only what racism looked like up close, but also what it means to have someone defend you when you can’t defend yourself.
Join me as I reflect on:

• The innocence of childhood interrupted by racism.
• How generational prejudice poisons relationships.
• The powerful role of allies who refuse to stay silent.
• Why these stories still matter today.

👉 After listening, I’d love to hear from you: When was your first exposure to racism or bigotry?

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