A Cultural Interview That Made Me Pause and Reflect
Black History Month should be more than celebration. It should also be a time for truth, reflection, and courageous conversation.
This blog is rooted in all three.
For over 15 years, I’ve known Rusty Bennett, a friend I met through Georgia State University baseball. He’s younger than me, but as an alum, I’ve continued to support Georgia State baseball over the years, and I’ve always respected the way Rusty carried himself on and off the field.
Recently, Rusty reached out and asked if I would participate in a cultural interview for a school assignment. The questions were thoughtful, direct, and powerful. They gave me pause and forced me to reflect deeply before answering.
The interview pushed me to think about identity, family, faith, culture, education, and what it means to live as an African American man in America.
It also reminded me of something I believe strongly:
Black culture is not monolithic.
There is no single Black experience, no single Black family structure, and no single way to carry history, pride, pain, resilience, or joy.
What made this moment meaningful is what it represents.
Rusty is a Georgia boy.
I am a Georgia boy.
Rusty is a white man.
I am a Black man.
And our shared love for baseball created a bridge strong enough for honest dialogue.
This is what we need more of in our country. Not performative statements. Not buzzwords. Not shallow unity.
Real questions.
Real listening.
Real truth.
Baseball has given me many gifts, but one of the greatest has been exposure. Exposure to people, perspectives, and environments outside of what I grew up around. But exposure alone is not enough. Understanding requires humility, curiosity, and courage.
Below is the full interview link with every question Rusty asked and my complete responses.
Video Interview Links from Rusty
What do you hope to learn or gain from this interview that you can apply beyond the assignment?
Why did you choose me, as an African American man, for this cultural interview?
During Black History Month, I’m grateful for this exchange.
Two men. Two races. One love for baseball. One commitment to truth.
We need more of that.
