Whitney Grinnage-Cassidy

Why should race be your defining characteristic? Students of color in predominantly white schools often struggle with this question as they are burdened with various microaggressions. Microaggressions have a larger effect on minority students than we realize, but change will not occur unless we learn to take ACTION against microaggressions. -- Whitney is a junior at Ursuline Academy. She was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, where she lives with her mother. When she is not with her mother, Whitney spends many weekends with her father and step-family. Whitney is the Founder and President of Undefined, an affinity support club for the students of color attending Ursuline. She founded the group to give the African-American and Latino students a community that promotes the understanding of challenges that minority students face in a predominately white school. Through guest speakers, cultural celebration events, round-table discussions, and buddy system with the elementary students of color, Undefined has become a significant addition to formal education at Ursuline Academy. Whitney is a member of Delaware Youth Leadership Network and Youth Advocacy Council. She participates in the TeenSHARP College Access Ambassadors Training program, which prepares students of color for success in top colleges and in future careers. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

four songs composed by Florence Price - Resignation, Sunset, Bewilderment, Dawn's Awakening

Music by Adele