With the series of events over the last few weeks it’s been tough trying to blog. I’ve had a series of post ready to share, but it just didn’t seem right with all that’s happening here in the U.S.
The shooting of unarmed black men in America is nothing new. The latest few back to back incidents coupled with the previous disappointments in the lack of justice being served in prior cases; I, like many, was just exhausted, frustrated, angry and yet a again feeling helpless when it comes these occurrences, which seem to be more frequent. Here are my truths.
I fully acknowledge my Caribbean heritage.
I know the history of slavery, colonialism and its impact on Africa and Pan-Africanism. Learning more everyday.
I know that I am a black woman in the United States.
My family never spoke about race, color, ethnicity. I, like many Caribbean families, have a range of ethnicities in my family and although we looked different, we were just family. The complexities of being from an immigrant family and being black are interesting because I honestly enjoy the best of both cultures, but endure and empathize with the worst.
I’ve seen countless accounts of blatant and subtle racism. I have seen the cases of police brutality against minorities throughout history, in the media and possibly in my own backyard. Unless you have been living under a rock or avoiding news at all cost, I’m sure you are familiar with the recent murders by police of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. Both of these incidences and the aftermath rocked me to my core. We are still experiencing the aftermath. Racial tensions are high and the relationship between police and their community are strained. Seeing the same stories play out over and over I’ve concluded for myself that it’s rooted in racism, ignorance and lack of respect for other human beings. Hearing these stories on a regular basis can make you feel numb and helpless, but I chose to continue living wondering what more can I do.
Have I experience an extreme level of police brutality? No. But it’s extremely hard to ignore that it exists. The reality is, when I walk down the street, go on a job interview, hail a cab, go to a restaurant and get stopped by police, I’m black. I’m treated however others view blacks until proven otherwise. Does my “exotic” background allude to different treatment, once people find out? Absolutely (not with everyone, but I have noticed it on occasion.) Does that mean I treat others who are black and not from another country differently? No. You want to know why? On the surface we, here in the U.S., we experience the same obstacles. Everyone just has a different approach to how they handle.
I give you this background so you understand my position when it comes to racism and colorism in America. I’m not blind to the perceptions people have of “minorities” of color. I’ve never used my race as excuse not to succeed, but we are either highly educated or taking up space. It was always ingrained in me to be the former, keep my head in the books, because subconsciously that was the key to proving that I wasn’t just taking up space.
When I realized that a good education didn’t change people’s perception of me, it was kind of liberating. With that awakening came the understanding of categorization. It was necessary for me to understand what that meant. It made me more compassionate towards the history that was indirectly my own. I found myself seeking understanding of not just my own personal history, but the history of black people as a people, honestly, I’m still asking, exploring and seeking understanding.
The Black Live Matter movement is the voice of people’s frustration. It’s not the only answer it’s simply a loud response. #BlackLivesMatter is important, not just for blacks in the U.S., but across the globe. It’s not just about how police see us. It’s about how ALL people see us and how we see each other because the movement has allowed a number of opinions to surface. Opinions you may not even know existed among people you encounter everyday.
The injustice against black people has so many layers. Every incident is not the same, the end result just always feels the same. There’s a pattern of not confronting or addressing these issues head on. We black immigrants are not an exception to the rule (we are all immigrants, some have just been here for generations.) It doesn’t take away from our heritage to show compassion and encourage each other to remain in the fight for equality for all. No one is free until we are all free.
These are just some of my thoughts and emotions around these recent issues and it was important for me to share my thoughts. I would really like to know your thoughts and perspective. Let’s start the discussion, hopefully it will provide understanding and inspire others.
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
Follow Me:
[…] brutality and racism. I share an opinion piece written on Style & Vibes 4 years ago about Racism as a Caribbean-American during Caribbean-American Heritage Month, seemingly, not much has […]