« Jan. 9 Reflection: Hopes, Fears, Expectations

Mary Bullock

Internship

5 replies
Anna Amey Kathryn Smith LH AE Julie Parker
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I am very excited to start my internship because I have always talked about how minorities are being silently mistreated in more ways than outright hate crimes. There is systematic displacement and disintegration of cultures and families due to the development of Birmingham. It is becoming more complicated as well because it is not just white people displacing minorities, but also minorities displacing other minorities. This is one challenge I am worried about as I do not feel like I have the context socially to fully understand this as a white female. I am good at research and networking so I hope to create connections and partnerships for the church so that when I leave my work will keep working for me. I believe I am here to learn and to put into specific context the effects and legality of redlining in my own home city. I hope to learn how to be a humble servant to those that need me without putting in any of my own agenda or ego in the way. I hope by the end of the month I will have connections to a church that I am proud of the work they would be able to do well into the future.
5 replies
  1. Post by Julie Parker
    Response
    This is such a thoughtful response! With our internships being just a month long, I've wondered myself how much of an impact we will be able to have. I really liked how you said you hope the work you do continues to be beneficial to the organization after you leave. I think I will try to take a similar approach to try and contribute as much meaningful work as possible over these next few weeks so when I leave I can be confident that I was an asset to the organization during my short time there. I believe having the attitude that we can and will make a difference is what will allow us to succeed. 
  2. Post by Aliya Epps
    Re: Internship

    As long as you are able to be open and learn about the minority community. Personally, I feel like you should be fine. At first it may feel uncomfortable, but as long as you are able to have an open mind you'll learn a lot. I also think this is such an interesting internship to be able to learn about the systemic displacement of families in Birmingham. 

  3. Post by Laura Hillhouse
    Re: Internship
    I really enjoyed reading this reflection, Mary. I share this same struggle of wanting to be able to acknowledge the privilege my skin color grants me, but not allow the shame that can come with the privilege to impede my ability to keep going. I also think it is really interesting that you mention that minorities have begun to displace other minorities. I think this speaks to the "every man for themselves" mentality capitalism structure has implanted into American's thoughts. Do you plan to speak to people in the community that are being pushed out of their homes to see where they place their blame? It would be interesting to see if they blame individuals, systems, or both. 
  4. Post by Kathryn Smith
    Re: Internship
    Two things: 

    1) If you want to stay involved with your organization beyond E-term, just ask them! You could continue interning, volunteer, or participate in their work in some other way.

    2) I think you're starting from a great point by acknowledge the limitations of your understanding as a white person, Mary. That makes seeking out and listening to people from other backgrounds all the more important! I'm interested to learn more about minorities displacing other minorities. None of these issues are as simple or as clear-cut as we might think!

  5. Post by Anna Amey
    Re: Internship
    Mary, your heart for this project is so evident! I'm so excited for you to continue learning about how to best use your skills in projects like these.


     I have felt similarly challenged in my internship because I want to represent the LGBTQIAP+ community to my best ability while simply being an ally. I think it's beautiful that we have the opportunity right now to use our voices for people who might feel like they can't. 

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