From my earliest memories, the weight of my melanin-rich skin has felt like a heavy metal, a constant reminder of the challenges tied to my identity. Blackness in America is an immense burden.
I’ve experienced this reality during countless encounters with law enforcement, often being subjected to “routine checks” that feel anything but routine. The feeling intensifies when I notice the gaze of overly watchful security guards in stores or when I find myself as the sole person of color in a workplace, a role made even more complicated as a manager. This feeling permeates job interviews, housing searches, and even personal relationships.
The collective weight of our shared history is palpable. I’ve felt the sorrow and anger that accompanies the knowledge that justice often eludes figures like Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and Sandra Bland, alongside countless others who have suffered in silence or been forgotten entirely. My heart aches when I see symbols of protest against racial injustice, like Colin Kaepernick’s jersey being burned, or when I witness heavy-handed police tactics deployed against peaceful demonstrators. The contrast of wealth generated from legalized marijuana, while many Black men remain incarcerated for minor offenses, adds another layer to this heavy burden. The derogatory remarks, the systemic barriers, and the relentless struggle to validate our existence compound the weight we carry daily.
This struggle seeps into our cultural expressions—our cuisine, our poetry, our music. The deep-rooted pain expressed by artists like Langston Hughes reflects the ongoing fight against the stereotypes and prejudices we face. From gospel to hip-hop, our music tells stories of resilience, echoing the conflicts we navigate.
Moreover, the harsh reality is that despite talent and hard work, opportunities can be dictated by others’ perceptions. The story of Jackie Robinson is a poignant reminder of how external factors can shape destinies, as access to resources remains disproportionately distributed.
Health disparities within communities of color, such as diabetes and hypertension, are not purely genetic but are often a result of systemic oppression and stress that permeates everyday life. The collective weight of blackness is heavy enough to alter the very tides of our society.
Learning to embrace and love one’s blackness is a difficult journey, often beginning in childhood. For many Black children, songs like “The Greatest Love of All” serve as an anthem, instilling a sense of pride in the face of adversity. The need for this pride is underscored by the constant reminders of societal rejection based on the color of one’s skin. The struggle against a centuries-old system designed to suppress our potential can seem insurmountable.
Yet, personal and collective pride alone cannot alleviate this burden. While we can grow stronger and more perceptive, the challenges will persist. The only option is to rise above them.
Through the efforts of artists and activists, we commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. every year, reflecting on the struggles of those who fought valiantly for equality. However, the sanitized versions of his message often overshadow the harsh realities that continue to pervade our society.
Today, I choose to celebrate my blackness fully. I will enjoy loud music, dance freely, and bask in the sunlight, feeling the protective power of my melanin. My culture is rich and profound, a testament to resilience against the backdrop of oppression. I refuse to be weighed down by the expectations tied to my skin. Instead, I will rise, lighter than air, defying gravity and limitations, much like a slow-motion highlight of a Michael Jordan dunk.
This journey toward embracing my blackness is not just personal; it’s a celebration of survival and joy. I choose to embody my heritage with pride and purpose.
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To summarize, the weight of Blackness in America is a complex interplay of personal and collective experiences. It is a daily struggle against systemic barriers, societal expectations, and historical injustices, but also a journey towards self-acceptance, pride, and joy in one’s identity.
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