Valérie Berta

Mother,

wife,

daughter,

sister,

friend,

female,

African American
What it is like growing up in mid-Missouri as an African American woman born and raised in poverty?
You are loved by your family and friends
You are questioned by society and judged by your more affluent and non-marginalized peers
You are accused of playing the race card
You may hide your opinion and feelings because you don’t want to be labeled as the angry black woman
You are accustomed to discrimination or prejudices whether it be in a store, out and about around town, in the workplace or at school
You are afraid of the police
You are fearful for your children and hope that as time goes on our country will become more accepting
You have learned to adapt to many situations
You are compassionate
resilient
intelligent
loyal