Being black is being accepted as an equal, but that dream speaks to a world marred by racism and void of change. Being black is being forced to accept the inevitable and live in a world where perfection isn’t good enough despite the effort. Being black is to turn your cheek when scorned or spat upon. Being black is to be left out of education compared to whites. Being black is not being watched and singled out while shopping when the assumption of stealing clouds whites’ minds. Being black means not having the privilege of living anywhere we choose and not being penalized by treacherous vandalism acts. Being black is always being last on a list of many less qualified. Being black is to smile when we want to cry. Being black means earning a living wage commensurate with being worthy and qualified. Being black is to have a voice and be heard. Being black means walking down the street and being looked upon as some freak of nature. Being black is not being limited to any level of pursuit. Being black is not given credit for an accomplishment, and that accomplishment is taken away.
Seemingly these are empty words, and I am certain all of you know there are more examples, but my bottom line is not wanting to be white because the pride I carry as a black man is unmatched. To live in the 21st Century and filtering all that is happening awakens me to the seriousness of racism now boiling over into the pits of hell. As the idea of hell birthing varied personalities, if its inhabitants suffer the same curse by living with this disgrace, the world and its inhabitants will suffer the same curse.
This Article was Last Updated On: October 15, 2025