Youth Series: Janelle Bullock
Originally published in January 2017 by Misson Magazine.
Janelle Bullock sits across from me with an air of maturity far past her years. A freshman at Penn State University, Bullock’s interests include art, music, and film. She idolizes Issa Rae of HBO’s Insecure and plans every one of her outfits around a pair of socks.
There’s more than meets the eye for this spunky 19-year-old, who spends her spare time singing in the Essence of Joy choir and educating herself, and her peers, on the topics and importance of race relations. Bullock’s initial entrance into the academic realm of racial issues dates back to her sophomore year of High School, 2013. “I took the class twice before graduating,” Bullock laughs, “the content in the class is what really opened my eyes to the world around me.”
Born and raised in State College, Pennsylvania — a small town trapped by mountains and nestled between farmlands — Bullock recalls feeling like a “black sheep” throughout her childhood. “There weren’t a lot of people who looked like me,” she says. Bullock never considered this difference a hindrance, until sixth grade when her best friend told her she could no longer spend time with her, because the friend’s father didn’t want her “talking like a n****r.” Not her only time subjected to white supremacy, but one of the first and one of the most memorable. Today, Bullock accredits her difference — her experience of standing out in a sea of white, central Pennsylvania — to the development of her strong individuality.
As a college student, Bullock now assists in a sociology course focused on race and ethnic relations. A majority of her time is spent facilitating conversations between fellow students to talk about important, relevant issues. In a student body of over 40 thousand, there’s a wealth of personal opinions, but it’s Bullock’s job to create a safe, neutral space where everyone feels free to share their perspective. “I think a class like this is really important for everyone to have, at least once,” says Bullock, “especially now.”
In reference to America’s current climate, Bullock has seen and felt race relations become more strained than usual. Nineteen years old and thinking about her future, Bullock is excited yet nervous (aren’t we all?) about what’s to come.
“I believe a revolution is coming, if it isn’t already here. The presidency serves as a perfect catalyst for a revolution. People are really upset and they’re ready to do something about it, I am too.” And with that, we should all look out for the girl with the spunky socks and matching eyeshadow; she’s growing up strong and standing up tall.
Bullock aspires to stand side by side with the empowered women of the world, “I want to be able to look back on history and say that I was on the right side.”