In case you didn't know, I am a black woman. I'm a Black American woman from the North,
with Southern and Caribbean roots.
I'm grateful that I can call the United States my birthplace and home. It's one of the greatest nations in the world and it comes with even greater opportunities and privileges. But there has always been a dark side of America. Particularly when dealing with Black people.
From the time when the first Africans arrived in Virginia (1619) to August 2020, black people have been oppressed and terrorized in this country. It started with slavery. Once that was over, it turned into the Black Codes, Jim Crow, Lynching, KKK, Civil Rights, and more recently the Crack epidemic and the War on Drugs, Predatory Lending, Mass Incarceration, Police Brutality, and Covid 19.
I could go on..
The Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, making all MEN equal. But it was only signed on paper. Black people have continued to be treated as second class citizens to this day. Things have definitely changed for the better since 1619. Many Black people have risen to great heights despite the odds stacked against us. But many things remain the same.
The recent events (George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and too many more) are proof of the oppression that still haunts black people in this country. For anyone still confused, let me spell it out. The issue is not just the unjust murders (which is bad enough). It's the fact that many of the cops/assailants do not pay for their crimes, even with clear video evidence of wrong doing. It's eerily similar to the Southern lynchings from 1882-1968. I was not alive during those times, but I feel like I'm living through the same issues. I guess the saying is true,
"If you don't learn from the past, you are bound to repeat it."
\
Up until the age of 19, I lived in a bubble. I truly thought I was living in a post racial society. My experiences and teachings led me to believe that racism was a thing of the past and any lingering racism was in the South. I was so wrong. My first experience with racism was in New York! Since then, I've experienced more and learned more about America's dark history. This has made me sad, angry, and appalled. It has also made me want made me want to do more to make a change.
I know many others feel the same.
I know all White people are not racist. The recent events have shown that black people are not the only ones tired of the injustice. I also know this from my own experience.
The effects of Covid 19 may have helped push the uprising and potential revolution. People are just tired. Black people are extremely tired. I know I am. But as long as I'm alive, I vow to play my part in the advancement of Black people in this country. I'm not 100% sure where I fit in yet. I'm still figuring out my role in the movement (protesting, donating, supporting black business).
I know I cannot sit around and do nothing.
We have come a long way but we still have a long way to go. The good news is that change is happening at this very moment. The Policing Act of 2020 has introduced new measures to hold police accountable for their actions. Choke holds are now against the law. And lynchings will be a federal crime (not sure why this took so long).
I'm not sure if we are approaching a revolution. Anything is possible right now.
But if we are, I'm down for the cause. I hope you are too.
No comments