Dear Black People

Dear Black People,

I had the hardest time coming up with the words to express how I’m feeling during this time. I still don’t know if I have the proper words to adequately describe the emotions. As many of you, I am angry. Grieved. Hurt. I don’t quite understand why we’re hated so much simply by the color of our skin. Is this what our ancestors fought for? For us to still have to prove our innocence and worth all of these years later? I find it hard to believe this is the society they had in mind for us.

While many of our counterparts of a different race may not see the good in us, I wanted to take a moment to remind you of our wonderful uniqueness:

Our skin is beautiful (have you ever seen a black man glistening while running up and down the basketball court? Jesus.).

Our hair is good (come through twistouts and wash-n-gos!).

Our style is one of a kind (90s fashion was and will always be the best).

Black women are the most educated group in the United States (Three snaps in a Z formation) .

And our black men? Nothing like them (insert the Denzel walk, tailored suit, and tapered beard).

Even in the midst of oppression, we find a way to rise above. Our strength is indescribable. And let’s be honest, without our creativity, the world would be LOST (hello GPS, traffic lights, potato chips, clothes dryer, need I say more?).  We are often imitated, but we can and will never be duplicated.  

The world is literally fighting for us. Just this past week, all 50 states of the U.S. and almost 20 countries worldwide led protests to combat police brutality and the horrendous acts directed towards our people. While we are far from the days of utopia, we are closer to the days in which justice will be served and our voices will be heard. I’m choosing to believe that one day we can live in a world where there will be no more George Floyds, Breonna Taylors, and Ahmaud Arberys. A world in which when we call their names, they are here to respond. And while we all can’t be on the front lines, we ALL play a part, no matter how big or small. Keep signing petitions, sharing articles, educating yourself, and checking up on your other black friends.

It’s crazy to believe that we are the generation fighting for a new day, yet here we are. I don’t think any of us saw 2020 turning out like this. But this is just the beginning. Remember you aren’t alone. And when you find yourself about to reach your breaking point, please know that there is someone out there covering you and picking up the slack until you return. Take care of yourself. You are an important piece to this story and we can’t do it without you. At this point, we are truly our brother’s (and sister’s) keeper.

We are strong. We are black. We are proud.

Love,

The Emerging Adult