2011...2011...2011, decades past the Civil Rights era. And although I truly feel that this world has come leaps and bounds from where we were in the 1960's, I can't help but to notice the sheer ignorance that still exists. Many people seem to act oblivious to the fact that RACISM IS ALIVE, today, as it was then. Being a white woman who has surrounded herself with people of all walks of life, all different races, ethnicities...I have witnessed it first hand. I have been around a groups of white people who have no qualms about saying nigga..it jars me, it frustrates me, it annoys me to no end. Or, I remember the first time I ever went to Atlanta with my daughter's father, a beautiful black man. We were driving down the interstate, not once doing anything to cause any concern. However, we get pulled over. The cop tells us that he pulled us over because his view of the county on our license plate was obstructed. I call bullshit. But, I guess that's the best he could come up with. I mean, he couldn't tell us he pulled us over because there was a black man in the car, headed out of state. After we get pulled over, FOR A "LICENSE PLATE" VIOLATION...the results were, our car was thoroughly searched, we were taken to different spots where the cops questioned me about where we were going, why we were going, why we had a large amount of money on us, etc (we were going shopping in ATL). I mean, complete bullshit. They find nothing in the car and guess what, NO TICKET. Blatant racial profiling. I see it all the time, and it is so disturbing. Now, that's not to say that the black race is the only race that is subject to racism...however, the black race does bear the brunt of racism, in my experience, the black man gets it the worst. Always has. The media, society, most everywhere portrays the black man in a poor light. Rarely, do we see black men being held on the pedestals that their white counterparts are. It's sad. So often, I see..."black men ain't shit" or women searching to find a baller instead of a HARD WORKING, GOD FEARING, JOB HAVING (so he might not be a Laker, might not work for a fortune 500 company, BUT HE HAS A DAMN JOB...he ain't out here sittin on his ass) man. And, maybe unbeknownst to them, they set the standards so high, dog black men so much...that these men are made to feel inferior, or like their efforts are in vein. It's frustrating. It's frustrating. It's frustrating. I am a little white woman, but, I promise you, I am wise beyond my years. And I just watch...I just watch people. For as long as I can remember, I have always just watched people, and listened. I have had the pleasure of working beside, building relationships with, building friendships with BEAUTIFUL BLACK MEN and not just men, but beautiful black women, as well. Some of the most amazing people I have ever met, give you the shirt off of their back, are beautiful black men. Talented, trusting, loving, old souls...and maybe my frustration comes from the fact that everyone does not see these beautiful people the way that I do...whatever the case may be, it is frustrating. AHHHHHH!! (imagine me letting out a loud scream, that's what I'd like to do).
I know that this post may be all over the place, but I received a poem in my inbox, today...and it really had me thinking. And what you have read above, would be my way of trying to get my thoughts out...rarely, does this happen. So, I'd like to share with you all what was sent to me today. Hopefully, it will offer some encouragement...to any of you beautiful black men, who have ever encountered this foolishness that we call racism. Please know, that there are SO MANY of US, that see your struggles, then see your perseverance, then see you reach successes that so many people said you couldn't...and we smile. Because we knew you could do it, we have always loved you, we know that you are no different than anybody else...and we love you. We love you.
I am not sure who the author is, it was not given.
Ode to My Kings
Black man, where is your confidence? Where is your pride?
Why does your head hang low, like the Poplar trees at night?
Do you know who you are? Do you know where you've been?
You will rise above the hand they dealt you, from the ashes you will transcend
I love you Black man
Inflicted with many injustices, you will still rise
On your broad, powerful shoulders, you will carry your pride
Society has tried to strip you of your manhood, dignity, and position
They offered you inaccurate history, images and convictions
I love you Black man
You are the hunter, yet at the same time the hunted
They oppress you, degrade you, try to keep your growth stunted
Just remember who you are and more importantly.. who you are not
Remember where you are going and from where you were brought
I love you Black man
You are a centrifugal and driving force that draws me deeply into you
You are a part of me, my family, you I could never refuse.
Even in those times when it seems, that the world knows not your name
I will always be there to remind you of your strength, your pride and your fame
I love you Black man
Don’t you give in to anger, please don’t hold your head down
Exhibit your strength and your pride, remember, you wear a crown
Because You are a King amongst Kings, in my world, you are high in demand
Remember, I do love you no matter what
Strong beautiful Black man
