Hi there,
I understand how you feel. Although I'm not black I was the only Asian person in my class. And in my workplace.
I'll shortlist some things i learned:
- You'll be the token black friend/co-worker now. Anything you do may be held up against your race and analysed. Stereotyping tends to be worse if you're female too. I would say the first thing is to be aware of this. It's not usually pleasant but we all do it actually. For example I'm sure you recognise that not all English people are the same, but you might think they're "typical" English guys if they get drunk. The same way if you're a good dancer it might be because you're black. If you're angry it may be linked back to your race and perhaps even crime statistics. Often it's usually innocent (we do it to help our brain accept new things as normal i think). But be aware and accept this and it makes the journey smoother
- develop a sense of humour rather than getting annoyed. It will make people warm up to you and thus treat you better
be welcoming and friendly ^.^
-try and understand the other sides to their personality. Some people are as shallow as 2D puddles but others are more than what meets the eye. Sometimes it takes weeks to get to this stage.
- remember it's probably not their fault that they're ignorant. Like I've said it's happened to me - an Asian. It would probably happen to a white man in a non white environment too. This is the first step in multiculturalism. Own it and take it as an opportunity to subtly educate people.
I'll be honest, i was raised with parents who dont particularly think well of black people. But the first black friend i made was so lovely and patient and nice that i don't even listen to people's stereotypes of blacks now. It broke that wall that older generations had instilled in us (wrongfully)