Spotlight: Black History Month, Cassie Torrisi Interviews Ja’Dayvion Benson

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Today’s spotlight, Ja’Dayvion Benson, is doing big things for his community. The quote, “You’re never too young to change the world” is definitely fitting for this gentleman and I cannot wait for everyone to get to hear his voice.

Ja’Dayvion Benson, known by most as DaeDae, is “21 years young, born and raised in Freeport, Illinois.” DaeDae currently works as a customer service rep for an insurance company. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his family and close friends. DaeDae says, “I enjoy cooking and doing anything memorable with the ones I love the most. I am very passionate about bringing change to our community, especially involving youth.”

I asked DaeDae what Black History Month means to him and his response is truly inspiring. He said, “BLACK HISTORY MONTH says a lot itself, but it could simply be misinterpreted. Our culture may be celebrated for one month, but it’s an EVERYDAY cultural celebration for us. Our culture simply cannot be defined within one month. There have been countless years of suppression and underlying disgust towards Black culture.” DaeDae goes on to discuss how racism is not a trait someone is born with; it’s taught. He also discussed how this month is still a battle. “The battle we face every day is wondering [if] we will make it home at the end of the night. I question myself every day, wondering if the complexion of my skin will cost me my life. So…BLACK HISTORY MONTH means a lot more to me than celebrating it for 28 days, it’s simply my everyday life that goes misunderstood!”

I asked him what he wishes those who are not Black Americans would understand; he addressed two major issues. One issue that he discussed is the use of the “N-Word.” The other issue he addressed is the commonly-said phrase, “you sound white.” When it comes to the “N-word,” DaeDae says this word “is so familiar, that we use it as an everyday word. We have failed to realize that it is no different than the verbiage that was used as a slavery word; we have to redirect our mindset from any slave term or actions. Just because one may ‘allow’ you to say it, that doesn’t make it right or appropriate. When it comes to the phrase, “you sound white,” DaeDae said, “Just because an African American speaks proper or with common sense, that doesn’t mean they should be categorized as sounding white. African Americans are intelligent and just as skilled as every other individual on this earth! 

The passion and time DaeDae put into his responses demonstrates that he wants to see a change. I asked DaeDae what steps we as a country need to take towards equality. He replied, “In order for there to be a TRUE shift towards equality in our nation, police reform and racial justice MUST be implemented and frequently discussed. Frequently, African Americans are killed by police officers… [and receive] no punishment for their wrongdoings. This makes it seem as if it’s okay for an ordinary individual to kill us off without any punishment for their wrongdoings, if this continues. Equality in America will never be equal for everyone, yet we must understand that Black Lives Matter. We must listen to understand, rather than listen to respond.” I feel as though listening to understand is something I need to work on, and hearing the passion behind DaeDae’s words was the reminder that I needed. 

Oftentimes, racial discrimination is a hard topic for some to discuss, but it is in those uncomfortable conversations that we can learn the most. When I asked DaeDae if he had ever experienced racial profiling he said, “I haven’t experienced any racial discrimination outside of being racially profiled by the police. Racial profiling is a major issue that we face in our nation. It has led to countless bad endings…for all races. Moving forward, all I suggest for any individual involved in a racial profiling scenario is to limit your movement and keep your hands in clear sight, while [also] praying that you make it home to see another day.”

I think there are so many things that we can all take away from DaeDae; his voice is powerful and it will be heard. DaeDae is just beginning his journey of success and change and I cannot wait to see where his path will lead him.