Another student talked about growing up in Raleigh and becoming aware, as she grew older, of the danger and difficulties of neighborhoods where her family had lived when she was younger. Johnson and the students laughed together as those from large cities recalled moving to smaller urban areas and their first fearful reactions to squirrels darting along Raleigh streets. Growing up in cities where some workshop participants had walked through gang turf, some had become conditioned to think of their safety when there was quick movement or unexpected noise. Johnson then led the students in a discussion about records, the messages and feelings people internalize from family, experiences, the media or other sources, that get in the way of understanding and relating to others. When you don't feel so good about yourself, when you feel unworthy, that's when you do things that hurt other people.
People hurt others when they feel hurt themselves.
Students were excited about the discussions and exercises in which Johnson led them. One suggested creating a Diversity Day at all schools where other students could share the experiences they had with Johnson. I'm going to take this day as motivation to achieve more and to work hard to pass this message on to my friends and people at my school. Hundreds of school administrators, teachers and students took part in the Diversity Conference. The conference also offered a variety of display booths from schools, central office, and the community.