Black Girl From a White Suburb: Finding My Light, Using My Voice

Tania Richard grew up in an all-white suburb of Chicago, where she spent her days dodging microaggressions, striving to fit in, and yearning to see herself represented. Her transformation began when she was cast as the Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland. On stage, she found her superpower. She no longer had to blend in; instead, she was confident, free from boundaries, and empowered to surpass others' narrow vision of her. Through performing, Tania learned to embrace her Blackness and heal from the cultural isolation she faced in her childhood. With a blend of cautionary tales, antiracist provocation, and humor, Tania takes on the leading role in a culture that often relegates Black women to supporting characters.