Being Black in America

Darky, pickaninny, jigaboo, Negro, nigger, colored, black, Afro-American, and African American all monikers used to describe blacks in America. However, they do not define what it means to be black in America. Being black in America is more than race, color, a name, physical appearance, or classification. It is a gift from God that should be held with great pride and honor. God saw first to create us in his own image then he took the time out to create a group of strong willed people. He knew that we would be tried, tested, and would eventually overcome.

Being black in today’s America means walking the paths of all of the elders that came before us. We stand on the shoulders of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Medgar Evers, George Washington Carver, and Frederick Douglas; just to name a few. Their teachings and actions have paved the way for today’s generation. If we’re going to make it as a community we have to unite the younger generation with the older generation. We can no longer live out the “Willie Lynch letter.” There is no more time for “I don’t like because you’re light skin and I’m dark skin.” There is no more time for disrespecting your elders and there is absolutely no more time for living out the “crab in a barrel syndrome.” Meaning when you see one of your brothers and sisters trying to make it out don’t pull them back because you’re miserable and misery loves company. Instead, push them because you never know he or she may turn around and grab by the hand.

We cannot change the perception of the black community individually, but by becoming one sound, one mind, and one voice we can change the perception together. We have to kill the notion of procrastination and selfishness. Now is the time to reach that lost brother and sister standing out on the block. They are the key to the future. We have to educate them about the love of God, first, then love them the way God loves us, unconditionally. By doing that they will see that black love is real and beautiful.

Being black in America doesn’t mean walking with your head hung low and your pants even lower. It means walking tall, walking strong, and walking united. Being black today doesn’t mean trying to get your swag back or your ride pimped. It means living above and beyond the stereotypes that have been put before you. Don’t let the March on Washington, the bombing of the four little girls in Montgomery, Alabama, and the passing of the Civil Rights Act die in vain. We have to take what has been given to us and apply it so that we can become the majority and longer be the minority.

I once heard someone say “there are no more black leaders.” Well we all know that is not true. The days of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are for those old school players. It’s the dawn of a new day and we need fresh and new players to take the field. Yes, there is President Obama, but he is only one man. So where are our leaders? Look to your left then look to your right. You have just seen our future black leaders. Now if we are going to make it we have to step back and support our black leaders. This can be done by sitting aside childish ways, becoming educated individuals, and loving one another as God loves us.

When it comes to the quote un quote African American community, I feel a sense of love, pride, honor, and disappointment. I love my people, I take pride in the gifts that God has given us, I honor the many accomplishments, but I also feel disappointment. We have come so far and achieved so much yet it seems as if we cannot come together unless tragedy is on the other end. Being black in America is not about living our Satan’s plan to kill, steal, and destroy. Instead we have to come together as one so that our present will not relive our past. We must realize that the past is behind us, our present is ever changing, and our future is staring us right in the face.

If we want to take on the responsibility of being black in America, then we need to get ready because any and everything will be pushed our way. Nevertheless, God has ordained us to be strong as well as proud and for that I am forever grateful to be BLACK IN AMERICA!!!

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