I know it's uncomfortable, but I have to speak on this. African Americans are here because our ancestors were stolen/sold from their homes. We have had no choice in becoming deeply woven in the history of this country. Fortunes were built on the backs of our forefathers, and after Emancipation we were cast out into the world with no guarantees other than the automatic marking of "former slave". We were easily marked due to the dehumanization of dark-skinned people. We were animals, compared to monkeys. Why? The color of our skin.
Because of this indelible mark, we have systematically been isolated and tracked. Whether it's due to our success or failures, we are always highlighted. Not because a particular act has its own merits, but because it was performed by a person who has been marked. By genius? By brilliance? By violence? By viciousness? No. If a Black person has done it, it MUST be sensationalized. WHY? We have brains, original thought, and are capable. Period. Not capable of so much more, or capable of greater things, we ARE capable, as we stand now.
Who is capable of so much more? This country, its leadership, and its government, to include the legislators and the executors (no pun intended) of the law, the media, and its citizens. All of us are capable of not judging on appearance, of having an open ear and heart, and having the guts to make a difference. All of the stuff we don't like? We can change. Everyone who is not in the fray, are unaware of the deep injustice that people who are not as fortunate, must suffer through everyday. You are not in it, you do not understand, so therefore, do not even attempt to try to have an opinion. Unless you have lived in the shoes of those who are suffering, you should keep your mouth shut. If you do choose to say something, it should be in support of helping those who are suffering, because you are a human being, and we all must share this Earth, and we all must be stewards of it.
Who is capable of so much more? This country, its leadership, and its government, to include the legislators and the executors (no pun intended) of the law, the media, and its citizens. All of us are capable of not judging on appearance, of having an open ear and heart, and having the guts to make a difference. All of the stuff we don't like? We can change. Everyone who is not in the fray, are unaware of the deep injustice that people who are not as fortunate, must suffer through everyday. You are not in it, you do not understand, so therefore, do not even attempt to try to have an opinion. Unless you have lived in the shoes of those who are suffering, you should keep your mouth shut. If you do choose to say something, it should be in support of helping those who are suffering, because you are a human being, and we all must share this Earth, and we all must be stewards of it.
It is particularly insulting, because the presence if African-Americans are and always have been intrinsic to the success of this country. Instead of being celebrated, we are vilified. The whole movement of #IfTheyGunnedMeDown illustrates this. Why must we compartmentalize our right to express ourselves, in ANY WAY we see fit, in order to be considered legitimate members of society?
What folks don't realize is that we are proud of ALL OF IT. Our grit, our determination, and our sense of community and connection. One of the things that I love about being Black, is greeting my fellow brothers and sisters on the street, even if we don't know each other from Adam. But the thing is, we do know, and by acknowledging each other, we acknowledge the struggle of racism, and we give each other a little lift, just by acknowledging each other. It has always been an integral part of our means of survival in a country who we are a part of, but that doesn't want us. We let each other know: "I see you, I know your struggles, I am you, even if no one else understands." My God, there is no greater honor.
You know what? I'm proud of all of it. The ugliness emphasizes the great divide. Does it make you uncomfortable? GOOD! Do something about it, because you can't get rid of us. By doing something about it, I mean HELP! The good parts? DUH! Celebrate them because they came from an AMERICAN!
As a mother of a son whose brown skin will automatically mark him as Public Enemy #1, I am terrified and saddened. As I kiss his sweet, fat cheeks and receive his drool-y kisses, all I can do is pray, and pray HARD that the world will have changed enough to at least offer a modicum of acknowledgement, that he too belongs here, that he is of no threat, that he is of value, that he is a citizen of this country, who is protected by and given the same inalienable rights that his forefathers were not given, but gave their sweat and blood in hopes that the day that he will just be seen as one thing: a man.
