Unapologetically BLACK.
Greetings Ladies & Gents,
Praying that you all are staying healthy and safe out here in the world, as a whole.
I know that I typically keep things pretty chill on here and don't get into topics that are overly deep. But lately I've been compelled by my inner spirit to speak on how I'm feeling right now. As a black man in America today, I am troubled by the lack of progress I've seen for my people. We are halfway through 2020 and still dealing with racism in all of its evil shapes and forms. Surely the optimist in my ancestors had to feel like by the time 2020 rolled around, we would be walking around on equal ground with our white counterparts. Unfortunately, all you have to do is turn on the news any given day or go on your preferred social media page to see that's far from our reality.
It's been over a month since George Floyd's murder, and it's crazy that it took such a sick act to gain global attention for black lives. While I love how many people have been peacefully protesting around the world in such high numbers for weeks now, something just doesn't sit well with me. I think I'm concerned that over time, people will go back to living their "normal" lives and lower their voices on the importance of black lives. It's probably because we've seen the brutal murders of our people year after year expecting things to finally turn in our favor, yet here we are. Yes, this time really does feel different, but how do we make sure this energy is maintained? I wonder...but that kind of goes into why I'm writing this out today.
My whole life I've been the definition of an introvert. I've never been loud, talkative, or the type to be up in everyone's face. That's just not my makeup. However that's the same reason I feel the need to express my feelings to you all when it comes to being a black man in America. I'm tired of feeling like we as black people have to just suck it up and play the cards we're given. I'm tired of our work and contributions to society being taken for granted and folks acting like America would be the nation it is today without black people. I'm tired of my fellow black brothers and sisters having to feel like they can't show their true pain and emotions in crazy times like these just so white folks in corporate America won't feel bad or uncomfortable. Nah, I'm tired of catering to other's feelings that aren't our own. That's just backwards. And we're all about moving forward, last time I checked.
Funny, when we had coronavirus hit us hard and unapologetically, we had people from all different races and backgrounds more readily checking up on us. Want to know why? Because coronavirus didn't care what your skin color was or what you believed in, it could show up at anyone's door. We see how everyone can act when everyone is facing a similar dilemma. Yet when black folks understandably raise their voices on matters that should have legit been addressed centuries ago, we see silence from many. And yes, silence is an answer. So if that's the route you have chosen, we appreciate you for making it known.
When we get to the point where the majority (not everyone, because I know better than to believe every single person will see the light) cares about black lives as much as our minority cares about black lives, true progress can/will be made. Until then, well...I guess we will just see what the rest of this wacky 2020 year will look like. I didn't really have a set focus when writing this blog post, but it was more so to get my feelings out there because I felt like y'all should know where I stand right now and not just assume my thoughts for me. But I will say if an introvert like myself has enough nerve to come out like this, you know that I felt it was necessary to do so in these times we find ourselves in.
My style when it comes to clothes, sneakers, etc. may change over the course of years. But if it's one thing I'm always going to be, it's black. And my love for being black only grows with each passing day. Be blessed y'all.
