Diversity Diaries: Malaika David

By Malaika I. David
Chips Quinn Scholar

07.23.02

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Malaika I. David

During my internship, I learned that we define our differences.

I have worked in many environments where I was the only black person.

I have felt uncomfortable, conscious of my work, always making sure I wasn’t doing anything that would make me appear to be the “stereotypical black woman.” You know, loud, obnoxious, lazy and more concerned with the latest fashions than the plummeting stock market.

Even after all the advice and training I received from the Freedom Forum on minorities in the newsroom, I came to my internship prepared to exclude myself.

Prepared for the awkwardness and the exclusion from conversations and lunch invitations.

I was the first one to keep my distance.

My co-workers did not. They initiated conversations with me, gave me advice, complimented me on my stories and invited me to their homes for dinner.

I began to realize that I was creating the difference. I was drawing the line between black and white.

I wanted to be accepted for who I am, but I wasn’t doing the same for my co-workers.

I am aware that this is not the situation in all work environments where there are few minorities.

But for now, I am happy knowing that my co-workers at the Lancaster New Era were able to see past the color barrier that I put up.

Malaika I. David, a 2002 graduate of Virginia Union University, was a Summer Chips Quinn Scholar at the Lancaster (Pa.) New Era.

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