Rita Harper

An experience that moved me as an Afro descendant was reading the autobiography of Assata Shakur, a former black panther and revolutionary activist. She explained so eloquently the black experience through her life's journey that made me aware of the problems we're up against and the systems in place to keep us oppressed.

I'm proud of my heritage because
Im proud to be a black woman because of the resilience my ancestors fought with for me to live in the freedom that I do today. I come from a long line of fighters. My pride is in understanding the beauty of those who came before me and those I stand with today.

Biggest misconception people have
The biggest misconception people have is that blackness is monolithic. Black culture spans as wide as the ocean. The narrow view of blackness leads to misconceptions and perpetuates negative stereotypes of African American culture.

Why do you think Diversity matters?
Diversity matters because perception is reality for most. When cultures are underrepresented, it is to elude that they don't exist, or matter. Diversity in all places will give us a better understanding of our fellow man as a whole.

• american