There are so many things that African Americans have not been free to do. While our bodies are no longer enslaved our minds are constantly caught up in the mental manipulations of institutional racism. We are constantly fighting against perceptions, stereotypes, activities, and approaches that put us in a “negative” light. Much of who we are has been trapped behind closed doors because the authenticity that runs through our veins is “inappropriate” to America. There are things we do and don’t do just to make sure we are accepted into the accomplishments we work twice as hard to achieve. This is not freedom. This is enslavement.
As a black woman, I check two boxes for every company, organization, or institution I work for: racial diversity, and gender diversity. I am counted twice on the reports of demographic analysis, but I am counted half in the assessment for professional growth. My personality is strong and my voice walks across nations even when I am whispering. I don’t have these attributes because my epidermis is drenched in melanin. No, I am who I am because that’s how God created me. However, the majority of my life I have apologized for being too loud, cautioned myself not to come off too aggressive, and reminded myself that it was all for the greater good. I have often questioned whether or not my natural hairdo would make me the black token confirming a perception of diversity while never allowing me a seat at the table. Don’t get me wrong; there is a proper decorum to be carried in certain settings, but that is not what I am talking about. When I was a young girl my father sat me down on the couch and said, “Baby, you will have to work twice as hard, twice as fast, and be twice as efficient to get ahead in this world.” Well, my father wasn’t wrong. I am glad for what he taught me, but he should not have had to teach me that.
The progress necessary for America to grow is going to take some time, but it is not impossible. We are not run by robots or aliens. Therefore, each person in charge of anything holds the power to cut the noose of systematic racism and destroy the chains of cultural bondage. Our liberation is not an exception it is a humanitarian responsibility demanded by the blood pumping through our veins. Every person in America and around the world has a choice to make. You are the system, we are the system, and nothing changes if everyone is looking at someone else to do the work.
I appreciate all of our allies that have protested, sent text messages, called, and shed tears on our behalf. However, the work doesn’t stop there. The allies that supported us in the past risked their lives, their jobs, their livelihood, their friends, their family, and much more. I challenge all of us; ally, brethren, and myself. What will we do to effect change? How hard are we willing to work? What are we willing to sacrifice for this purpose?
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