TWW Louisville Member Spotlight - Stephanie

Member Spotlight:

STEPHANIE 

Stephanie joined the Together We Will - Louisville/Southern Indiana Chapter several months ago and, as a wife and mother concerned for the safety and future of her African-American husband and six boys, is a passionate advocate for the expansion of diversity in our country. Stephanie is deaf and she has a son who was born with a congenital heart  defect. She’s also concerned about the lack of healthcare for women and the lack of overall compassion in our current political climate. Let’s find out more about Stephanie in this month’s member spotlight. 

Q: How has your life/thoughts changed since 11/8?  

A: Since the election on November 8, I have found myself to be more aware of my surroundings, and more fearful for my husband when he walks out our front door every day. He is black, along with our six boys, and I am angered to know their oppression has only worsened through the emboldened citizens who view them in a negative light because of their skin color. The white men who have taken back control have me scared for my boys’ future or lack thereof.

Q: What are your top three concerns post election? 

A: My top three concerns post election are the treatment of anyone who is not a white male -- whether in the workforce or in everyday life situations -- lack of healthcare for women, and the decline in overall compassion for others. My eyes have definitely been opened to those who don’t support the cause of social justice. I have been able to educate a few and get them to understand the views of the minorities in the country. With others, I have had to cut ties because their views discriminate against me as a woman and my family of color.

Q: How do you plan to stay politically active during the Trump era? 

A: I plan to stay active by staying aware of what is going on and by speaking out against hate. Staying quiet furthers the oppression of my husband and boys. I will also continue to educate my boys who are 3-14 in the history and present happenings of our country. For example, after Charlottesville, my husband and I talked to our older boys about it. And to help them further understand the ideas behind the Nazis, they watched the movie Schindler’s List. They were intrigued and their eyes stayed glued for the whole three hours of the movie with a few occasional questions. I feel staying politically active is my obligation as a white mom to my black husband and boys.

Q: What do you feel is the importance of diversity in social movements? 

A: Diversity in the social movements is of the utmost importance for understanding each other so that we may unite! It seems we have gone backwards in the sense of diversity, because I grew up around many cultures and never thought about it. I am of Italian descent, our hairdresser is an Arabic-Muslim from Jordan. I married into a black family, my stepmom is German-born and so much more. This was all normal to me and it angers me to know there are people who don’t like others that are not like themselves. So much so that they’ll actually display hate toward them. The eight years when Obama was President, diversity seemed to be more accepted and enjoyed, and it’s how I want the USA to be again for my children.

Police brutality is a reason I fear for my husband. 45’s “jokes” only made this situation worse. I also know people who agree police officers should shoot now and ask questions later. It makes me cringe being around them. To know they agree if my husband gets pulled over for a simple traffic violation, or because he fits a description, that he should be shot if a cop feels any immediate threat? People argue, “Well, Drew is a good guy…”  These officers don’t know Drew, and many of these guys shot down were also good guys. So many of these issues today are not being addressed; therefore, the problems continue to exist.

Q:  How are you feeling? 
A: I’ve said this before. “Right now, America is like an alcoholic/addict. The first step is admitting the problem, and until then this country will continue to be on the path backwards.” This country is lacking so much these days that I get teary-eyed when I see the simplest acts of kindness. These acts should not be a rarity, but a normal, regular assurance. Love is what makes life worth it.