My Story: Teneshia Ruff

I still remember my first experience with racism. I was in the third grade. A classmate wanted to copy my homework. I was raised to certain standards so my response was pretty easy.  “Nah, I’m good,” I said. What followed was a racial slur that was both unexpected and confusing. No one had ever spoken to me this way. 

The idea that the color of my skin somehow diminished my value as a person was a totally foreign concept in my young mind. I mean, two of my closest friends at the time were also white and they were also boys! Yet it happened. This experience is just one of many that shaped my reality to harsh truths within our society.

I was born and raised in Columbus, a small city located in western Georgia. Honestly, in Columbus, there wasn’t as much racial disparity compared to other areas in the South. I’m blessed to have been raised by two great parents who’ve been invaluable role models for me and my two older brothers. They instilled in us early on the importance of morals, perseverance, and helping others, not only with our actions, but also through our words. I also learned at a very young age to avoid generalizing and stereotyping, regardless if I’m not always afforded the same treatment.

Growing up I was actively involved in various sports and youth groups, both within my community and through my church. When I first started playing basketball it wasn’t uncommon for me to be the only female on the team, let alone the only black female. Thankfully that’s changed.  As my love for the game grew and as my playing and professional career in collegiate athletics evolved, the representation of black females and other women of color within the industry has continued to grow as well. 

I’ve attended college in Florida and worked in Georgia, New Jersey, and now in Hawai‘i where I’ve been the last  five years. I’ve met a lot of different people. At each stop I’ve been able to forge great friendships and gain valuable mentors. It’s through this group of diverse and impactful people that I’ve been able to evolve beyond my comfort zone. In addition, they’ve helped me to understand the value of character over reputation and the meaning of the saying “lift as you climb.”

I’ve encountered  both good and bad along the way.  Have I experienced more social and racial prejudice in certain locations than others? YES. My journey has shown me that these issues aren’t specific to just one place. The lack of systems, platforms, and support just make these issues more evident in some locations than others. 

Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Elijah McClain, Atatiana Jefferson, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. They’re just a fraction of names on a long list of victims. A long list of senseless tragedies that could have been prevented. Of course acts of violence against black people—and other minorities for that matter—isn’t new. Unfortunately, it took these tragedies for more open and genuine progress towards social awareness and justice to occur. 

The sad part is that these heinous acts of violence keep continuing and often go unpunished. They’ve become normal. And normalizing these actions not only stunts awareness to very real issues, it desensitizes people to black suffering. It’s past time to normalize having to know what someone is going through in order to be kind and compassionate. A genuine movement towards social awareness and justice goes beyond mindful listening and acknowledgement. It also includes action to help.

Recently, Rainbow Warrior basketball player Zoar Nedd and I have been afforded a unique opportunity. We will represent UH Athletics on a newly formed committee within the Big West Conference addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion on our college campuses. The four guiding principles of the committee are Education, Empowerment, Accountability, and Change. It’s time we bring recognition and  support to underrepresented minorities on our campuses. It’s time we encourage a welcoming environment where open discussions on social issues can take place. It’s time we evolve, empower and  promote diverse cultures and experiences. Ultimately, I believe we each have a role in achieving this. I’m honored to play my role.

One of the many things that I appreciate about being a part of UH Athletics is its diversity and inclusivity…and I’m talking about everything: race, spirituality, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. When we’re together as a team, those traits aren’t at the forefront. It’s the same with our loyal fan base. At the end of the day, whether their support is for one sport or for our entire program, they just want us to succeed. 

But another reality does exist. When we’re not wearing the H logo, those same traits I mentioned can creep to the forefront and can be the difference in whether or not we receive basic acts of human compassion and kindness.

American writer, feminist, and civil rights activist Audre Lorde once said: “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” 

Never have these words rung more true. They will help guide me – and hopefully all of us – in making real change together. 

#MYSTORY

Teneshia Ruff is in her sixth season as the Director of Operations for the Rainbow Wahine basketball program.