Local Artist Asks 'Is Santee a Racist Town...?'

See more photos from the art show

The piece that seemed to draw the most attention at the Santee Visions student art show Friday evening was titled "Is Santee a Racist Town...?" by 11th grade student Nala Johnson.

The collage of photography and digital design features quotes from Santee residents elaborating on question: "Is santee a racist town...?"

Johnson describes herself as an African-American who has lived in Santee for three years.

"Within those three years I have faced the most racism that I have ever experienced in my entire life," she wrote in a description of the artwork.

"I understand that Santee as an entire town cannot be classified as racist, but I do believe it takes an entire town to promote change."

Most of the quotes in the piece reflect the idea that Santee is not racist, but people within it can be. Here is a range of answers from the piece:

• "No- I've lived here my whole life and have never seen this town like that."
• "Yes and no. I see more of it in schools versus in the town."
• "I think Santee CAN be a racist town, but over time we are accepting the racial diversity more and more."
• "I have heard of many of my friends who are getting racial slurrs yelled at them when they walk home or even have had things thrown at them out of car windows."

COMMENT: What answer would you have given Johnson?

Also read:

• Racism: Santee’s Diversity Stigma
• A Student's Perspective: Don't Dismiss Racism