A Candid Conversation With Steven Francis about discrimination

[Chella Alene]

What was your first memory of racism?

My first memory of racism was as a little boy and my white neighbors would call me the nigger next door.

What racial stereotypes do you feel people have felt about you?

I believe that people have thought that because I am brown that I am not as smart as a white person. IE: white Captain told me that the senior white firefighters “don’t mean anything malicious about their racist actions” that I should forgive them and move on. That I should drop my case against them.

What do you feel should be our role in making future generations understand race?

I think that it is very important to practice not passing judgment when we meet or see people. I believe we have to speak up about racist actions if we see them.

What is something you would like people to know about how racism has effected you?

First off: Because of the racist threats I received, I decided to leave my home to find a safer place to live. Racism and the toxic culture and environment of the New Bedford Fire Department caused me depression and due to that stress I checked myself into an outpatient program.

What does black lives matter mean to you?

It means that minorities deserve the right to live in peace, be treated with respect and treated fair within the halls of justice.

What do you think it means to people who may have a different viewpoint than you?

I can’t answer that question.

Do you think the government should be more involved in educating and protecting people from racial discrimination?

In particular, I think that the government should allocate more resources to protect workers rights and have a speedy process to give workers help when dealing with discrimination in the workplace.

How do you typically deal with a racist person?

I call racist people out in any environment. I won’t stand for racist jokes or rhetoric.