Rasheeda Webber is a true Oregonian. Complex and earthy. Her love of nature and the outdoors combined with designer luxuries shows Webber’s affection for ‘all the good things’ in life. Her creative side is shown in her modeling and interior design work.
How does she stay grounded through her day to day? Webber explains her strength with, “Scriptures of the Bible that I like, such as ‘I'm fearfully and wonderfully made’. ‘I don't have a spirit of fear or timidity but of power, love and a sound mind’. ‘I am clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future'. Those are all the things that I like, and the Bible is really the source of them.”
’’I've been waking up really happy. I'm so excited to see all the allies we've had out there (referring to the current resurgence of BLM). All through social media and through the protests all around the world nothing like I've ever seen before or ever expected. I went to one of the protests and everybody was so supportive to me.” Webber experienced a group of white women being concerned about her well being at all times during the protest. They sensed she was alone and felt protective of her. For Webber this was a new experience, nothing like what she felt before. She knows fake niceties and she knew this was genuine. Masks and earplugs were handed to her, and later she was walked all the way to her car by the small group.
“I'm so excited to see all the allies we've had out there. All through social media and through the protests all around the world nothing like I've ever seen before or ever expected.”
This refreshing dynamic of being cared for is a far cry from what she feels on any given day in her life. “I find myself having to be extra nice to white people, men and women. It's a thing where we have this preconceived notion that we, Black women, are just mean. If we don't smile enough or act a certain way, then it's oh she has an attitude she doesn't want to be here. But it's just not the case. I usually find myself apologizing a lot, and smiling a lot.” Webber often feels drained by having to be the extra nice person to disprove the angry Black woman stereotype. She finds herself in many situations where she has the responsibility to make others comfortable in the room with her. This is especially true in critical environments such as her work and career.
Many years ago, mandatory CPR Training took an unexpected turn for Webber.
Arriving early, and nervous about the course, she followed every instruction along with the rest of the members of the class. During a break two HR members showed up to talk to Webber and pulled her out of the class. She was hoping that this was a result of doing so well and she was being congratulated, but her heart sank as she realized the instructor had reported her to the department. It was explained to her that the white woman leading the CPR course was reporting her for being under the influence. After repeatedly being asked whether she drinks and does drugs, to which the answer was a resounding no to all, the HR pair did not back down.
Finally after breaking down from the repetitive questioning and humiliation of the experience, Webber said, “This is what happens when I'm not super friendly toward white women. I wasn't there in the class with a jolly attitude. I was there for training. That's a good example of how you have to be super nice or you're going to get in trouble.” Webber later called her union representative after feeling there was no resolve in this issue. She didn’t want this to happen to anyone else.
Looking back, Webber wishes she had been more encouraged to pursue her creative side, which she is enjoying now. Her focus was pushed to be career and income oriented and not about the very things she loved to do creatively. She understood needing income as an adult, but forsaking dance, acting, and music delayed the opportunity to express herself creatively. She sees the value of these things now in her life and works to include them. “People were saying to pursue other things because those aren't real jobs. But I know creativity is the ultimate yes!” Webber explains. Webber also says yes to high fashion. Her favorite brands are is Gucci and Burberry. One of her favorite items, a Gucci hat she brought to wear for this shoot.
Her recent trip to the Oregon coast was pure joy. The seclusion and quiet and beauty of surroundings was just what she needed to wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.
“I was just so refreshed in getting away from the city and being somewhere where no one knows me. And nature is healing in so many ways.”
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Wrapping up the interview, Webber closed with a familiar yet fitting statement to encourage people around the globe: “You are not alone.” were her words of encouragement. Something we all need to hear during these difficult times.
Interview & story by Jennifer Randall
Editing: Calcio Rose & Shawnalee Anderton
Photographs: Shawnalee Anderton
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