Sister Kathleen Bernadette Smith: Systemic racism leads to discriminatory practices and policies

Note: The following piece was written by Jane Fischer, Providence Associate, and Pearlette Spring, Providence Associate.

Systemic or institutional racism is a form of discrimination that is embedded in the laws, regulations and social constructs of a society or an organization. It is both overt and covert. When systemic, it leads to accepted discriminatory practices and policies. Sister Kathleen Bernadette Smith, SP, shared her story of living during times of overt and covert practices of discrimination and racism in the United States.

Posted, Invisible Signs and Lines

During Sister Kate’s early life, posted signs stating “Whites Only” and “No Coloreds Allowed” were common.

Sister Kate’s childhood and early adulthood were spent in the Midwest and northeast of the United States where racism was hidden behind sundown towns, speed traps through rural areas and the invisible lines drawn through many cities and towns.

African Americans living in the northern states were aware of these invisible lines. African Americans knew where and when to go and not to go.

The Sisters of Providence Motherhouse is in the village of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, not far from West Terre Haute, Indiana. For many years, West Terre Haute was a key gathering place for the Ku Klux Klan. According to the Indiana State Library, “The group was against Catholics, Jews, African Americans, immorality and drinking. Nationally, Indiana was said to have the most powerful Ku Klux Klan.”

Strong Catholic Education

Sister Kate’s mother died when she was only 3-years-old. Her father believed strongly in Catholic education and her stepmother took little Kate under her wing and supported her as she attended the predominately African American Saint Anselm School staffed by the Sisters of Providence. From there, Kate entered the integrated Mercy High School.

Remembering her time at St. Anselm Parish, Sister Kate recalled the Sunday afternoon tea parties for the women in the congregation (parish members) and how manners, appearance, and friendship became almost inborn.”People were nice. People were kind then.” Her religious education and socialization formed Sister Kate’s leadership and contributions to society.

What we know about Sister Kate makes us think she had to encounter policies of racism in her life. Sister Kate’s bachelor’s degree from Chicago State University took her into the field of education as a teacher; her Roosevelt University master’s degree in music propelled her into performing internationally.

Then another master’s in social services administration took her into the schools and housing projects and families in the Chicago area where she helped parents and children gain access to education and services needed.

Now add another master’s of divinity, this one from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. And then add in 20 years as the Pastoral Associate at Saint Felicitas Parish. How could she say “no” to my question about institutional racism?

A Difference

Sensing curiosity, Sister Kate continued with “You know I am from the South Side of Chicago. There is a difference between the South Side and the North Side. The South Side was poor. But, I didn’t know that we were poor. Everybody was different, but nobody stood out. We had people from many different countries on the South Side of Chicago. This was in the 1940s and the 1950s.”

Reflecting on the integration of immigrants, Sister Kate becomes quiet and says, “My childhood was during wartime. Everyone knew what to do. Everyone was kind. We all helped each other. Our eyes were open and our hearts were awake!”

A Sense of Pride

Sister Kate is proud of her South Side roots and her ability to complete her schooling with the determination to succeed despite the presence of systemic racism.

When asked if she encountered uncomfortable or discriminatory experiences, she replied, “No, I kept my eyes open and my heart awake.” From a childhood on Chicago’s South Side, attending racially diverse Catholic schools and traveling and performing musically both solo and in groups across the globe, Sister Kate’s concentration and determination were fed by an African American spirituality that kept her focused forward.

When Sister Kate was asked about how the Sisters of Providence community is combatting racism, she said “Racism will not change if we are not spiritually strong … if there is not a strong spirituality, racism and all sorts of malice will creep around and be perpetuated.”

Strong Spirituality

It is through this strong spirituality that Sister Kate met life. When faced with what could be a difficult or uncomfortable situation, she said she would simply “concentrate on my goals, where I am going and why.”

This “mantra” of hers is fundamental to her and is fundamental to life within and outside of the African American community.

Sister Kathleen Bernadette Smith, SP, reminds us that the struggle for equality and justice continues. We must be open and awake.

Co-authored by Jane Fisher and Pearlette Springer.