‘Black DSPs Matter’ Part 1: What prompted you to speak up?
In June, Ryene Fenner, a direct support professional, sent a letter to the management team at the agency she works with, New Horizons Resources Inc. which sparked an important discussion about racism in the direct support workforce. NADSP reached out to her to contribute to a blog/video series which shares interview clips each week.
Below is Ryene’s reflection on “What prompted you to speak up?”
Oftentimes when we witness injustice happening around us we either turn a blind eye or secretly root for change. Neither of those options is beneficial to me or my community. The only way to actively make a change is to be vocal, even when it’s uncomfortable. As nerve-wracking as it may be to await a response, it’s even more important unsettling to watch nothing be done or acknowledged. I spend a lot of time at work as do other DSPs of color. I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling as though we should be acknowledged but I know people fear repercussions and that unfortunately equates to silence. I decided to take a leap of faith and speak up.
Additional Resources
Along with sharing the interview video clips and related blog posts, NADSP will also be listing additional resources to provide information and guidance about anti-racist actions organizations and individuals can take to promote racial justice.
- Anti-Racism Resources
NADSP has compiled a listing of books, videos, and tools to promote anti-racism. - George Floyd Social Story
The Saint Paul Public Schools has produced a plain language social story resource.
More About Ryene Fenner
Ryene Fenner is a DSP that works for New Horizons Resources. She has been a DSP since 2016. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz and is pursuing a second master’s degree in Education, that will be completed this fall. In addition to the work, she does with New Horizons, Inc. Ryene has also created and implemented lesson plans for children with developmental disabilities for a local camp in the Hudson Valley.
I hope this pushes us to quit sitting on the sidelines of anti-racism. So many conversations need to happen to create justice in our world. Lifting up any institutionally oppressed people lifts up all of us.
This awesome that organizations are acknowledging and trying to be a resolution to the problem instead of silencing voices. Informing the staff and the people you serve that you support racial equity, especially when all walks of life are employed or being supported throughout these organizations.
Hi, my name is Tanya and I just started at New Horizons. I am very excited that New Horizons has this space for African Americans to be able to speak their feelings, for far to long we have been silenced because of fear of what would happen or, because we know that no one would believe us. Now because of videos being recorded for everything we now could show the world what we have been dealing with for centuries. We need to continue bringing forth awareness to everyone in order for there to be a change I am glad about the video taping but we also need to speak up with we hear racism being portray at someone just taping is not enough, we have to put forth action in order to make a change my hat goes off to New Horizons for letting everyone know that racism will not be toleranced and African Americans has rights like everyone else we are in this together.
I think it is unfortunate that the respondent turned the conversation towards “fairness” and ‘justice”. While both are important, this conversation was about racism. We need to be able to speak of it and not silence those that do through our redirection.
First comment to Michele. I’m no sure how you believe that fairness and justice aren’t a part of the racism issue. Racism isn’t just that people don’t like a person because of their skin color. Racism is systematic, it hits every aspect of a person of colors daily life. Is it FAIR that someone gets the job because their name is sue and not makeba, as is my name. Is it fair the people of color are paid less or given fewer opportunities. Or that the education system in black areas don’t have the same standard or budget to teach more than just to get them out of school. Racism is a lot more. It’s white privilege, it’s having to give our boys the “talk” about coming home safe starting at the age of 5. It’s also about the assumptions that are made about us. It’s not just the blatant mistreatment of a people just because of their skin color. Fairness and Justice are a part of it. Wanting to be treated like our white counterparts is part of it. The respondent in this case is young, angry and fed up. I get it. I’m older and fed up. But she’s speaking her truth. So hear is where support is needed, education is needed, and that is the responsibility of all of us. 2 minutes is not enough time to get your point across or delve deep into this subject. BUT, that being said it is a start.