As a Cuban-American born and raised in Miami, Florida, I grew up surrounded by cultural diversity. However, although I come from a “diverse background,” I grew up with little awareness of race or racism in American history. I was confronted with my own ignorance early in my college career, specifically when I encountered a Martin Luther King Jr. speech in which he said, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” I was confronted with a challenging reality; I was part of the problem. 

Despite the fact that I saw myself as a “good person”, I had spent little time thinking about or educating myself on the devastating effects of racism. I was ignorant to the reality that my experiences were not everyone’s experiences. I was disengaged from the work of being anti-racist. I was silent. 

Confronted with this reality I had two options: I could bury my head in the sand, or I could embrace reality. I decided that difficult truths were more important than comforting lies. I wanted to educate myself so that I would no longer be silent on matters of injustice. I poured myself into studying the history of racism and racial violence in American History, earning a BA, MA, and PhD in African American History with a specific focus on racial violence.

Today I work as a Professor of American History at Florida State University, educating over 1,000 students each year. I have spent the last 15 years working as an educator, and I have learned that an understanding of American History can provide invaluable lessons to those who are ready to confront the truth. And I believe that these lessons should expand far beyond the classroom and into the community. If you are ready to take the first steps towards understanding, or have already started your journey and want to engage even more deeply in the work of removing systemic barriers, I am eager to help guide you on your journey.