” ‘I don’t even think of you as black.’…But I am, though.”
College is tough. It’s even more difficult when you’re dealing with peers who seem to be judging you based completely off of your ethnicity. Coming from a PWI (Predominantly White Institution), “I, Too, Am Harvard” speaks volumes for any African-American student going to a school where they may feel discriminated against, myself included.
“You aren’t black on the inside.”
“Don’t pull the race card.”
“Oh, my best friend is black!”
“You’re really articulate for a black girl.”
“You’re basically white.”
…WHAT?!
Created by Harvard sophomore Kimiko Matsuda-Lawrence, a platform was given to Black students at the prestigious university to speak on how these statements made them feel. Inspired by a play of the same name, the “I, Too, Am Harvard” photo campaign features 63 Black Harvard students holding boards with comments made to them, as well as their annoyances. To see all 63 pictures, check out their Tumblr here.
With the play premiering this Friday, March 7th at Harvard College, watch the preview of “I, Too, Am Harvard” above (filmed by Ahsante Bean).
Here’s what the official website says about the campaign:
A photo campaign highlighting the faces and voices of black students at Harvard College. Our voices often go unheard on this campus, our experiences are devalued, our presence is questioned– this project is our way of speaking back, of claiming this campus, of standing up to say: We are here. This place is ours. We, TOO, are Harvard. The #itooamharvard photo campaign is inspired by I, Too, Am Harvard, a play based on interviews with members of the black community exploring and affirming our diverse experiences as black students at Harvard College. The original play premieres on Friday March 7th, 2014 at 7 PM in Lowell Lecture Hall on the campus of Harvard College. facebook.com/itooamharvard @iTooAmHarvard #itooamharvard
-Kairi C. (@_findingforever)
