#BlackoutTuesday
I was 9 years old and I was heading to grab some food with my dad and brother at a breakfast joint when the cops harassed my dad in the parking lot. He clearly didn’t meet the description they were fishing for, other than he was a man of African descent. I was heated because I knew they were lying on some bullshit power-flex. I could tell it ruined my dad’s night. Same ol’ same ol’ for him that I wouldn’t learn about until years later.
I was 25 years old when my significant other left after the end of his shift and drove from the base to the city I was in to come to see me. It was a late-night drive. I noticed that when I opened the door, I wasn’t greeted by him in his usual tee and gym shorts. He was standing there in his Navy Working Uniform. We never spoke about it but I already knew him and knew what it was. He put himself in the best position in case a DWB situation occurred, feeling he’d get more respect if he kept his uniform on versus his civilian clothes. Protector of a country and that doesn’t protect him.
It was 2 years ago that my best friend and I were minding our own business as we were strapping two of our godkids in their car seats, and the police rolled by in an antagonizing way. I had literally never seen it in person before. It was like the policewoman the policeman was trying to square up with my best friend, talking shit and whatnot. Same ol’ same ol’ that he’s always clued me into.
And it’s not just the police, it’s society as a whole. It’s subtle things too. It was last month when I swung my nephew by GameStop. He got back in the car and I asked why didn’t he get anything. He informed me that there were others in the store, but when he walked in the store associate looked directly at him and decided to close the door to the stockroom. Something that my nephew shook off because sadly at only the age of 18, he must be used to it.
Racism, prejudice, and implicit bias are all burdens that a tiny ass continent imposed on the rest of the world. I don’t need history books, after going to 90+ countries…I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I’ve personally haven’t experienced racism. I first experienced prejudice 3 years ago clearing customs in Melbourne, Australia. I won’t go into detail but know I’ll never go back and put money into that city. I experience implicit bias constantly from people of European descent when I travel because I mean, look at me, there’s just no way I could live the life I live; I must be what society portrays American females of African descent to be.
Men of African descent always sit in my subconscious. From patriarchs, brothers, nephews, uncles, godsons, cousins, best friends, significant other, packs of young men I see walking together when I’m out and about. Their safety is key. I see their smiles, I hear their laughs, I feel their love. But a mass population group has been trained to believe/see the opposite. Women of African descent are always in my thoughts because of the strength they have no choice but to have. The way they can’t be dainty, can’t have a viewpoint and be passionate without being deemed angry when they’ve had no choice but to be protective since they lack protection.
May the strength of the ancestors be with you. May you find peace in whatever higher being you believe in. And remember, unity and wealth are the keys. The people and the resources are already there. 💚💛❤️