For as long as I can remember, the weight of my skin’s melanin has felt like a dense force, reminiscent of uranium. The experience of being Black in America is undeniably profound and burdensome.
This weight surfaces in countless moments: during the numerous traffic stops I’ve endured under the guise of “routine checks,” in the way security personnel shadow me through stores, and in the isolation of being the sole person of color in my workplace—an experience that feels even more pronounced in a managerial role. It looms large in job interviews, housing searches, and even in personal relationships.
The collective weight of Blackness is a shared burden; we all sense the injustice long before verdicts are rendered. The painful reality is that there has been no justice for Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, and others whose names fade into obscurity, including my cousin, Jamal Davis, who never received the recognition he deserved.
This gravity is felt when I witness acts of racism, such as the burning of Colin Kaepernick’s jersey for peacefully protesting racial inequity. It resonates when I see militarized forces descend upon peaceful protests and when I observe the stark contrast between the fortunes made from legal marijuana and the imprisonment of Black men for minor infractions. Each noose left as a “joke,” every derogatory remark, and the ongoing erosion of Black achievements in all spheres of society contribute to this weight. It’s a struggle that manifests in our everyday lives, as we navigate institutional barriers like expert boxers dodging punches.
The essence of our culture is imbued with this struggle. It resonates in our food, poetry, and music—the flavors and rhythms that reflect resilience, from blues to hip-hop. The burden comes not just from external forces but from the understanding that regardless of talent or effort, your success often hinges on the decisions of others. It is a painful realization that opportunities can be snatched away or appropriated, despite the wealth of ideas that flow from within our communities.
Moreover, we bear the toll of health disparities that disproportionately affect us—conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which are not solely genetic but are exacerbated by socio-economic stressors and systemic challenges.
Learning to embrace one’s Blackness is a lifelong journey, beginning in childhood. By the time I reached five, I had memorized the lyrics to “The Greatest Love of All.” As an adult, I now recognize that this anthem was meant to instill a profound sense of pride, aimed at “making it easier” to face the world. It aimed to shield us from the ridicule of our features and the unjust comparisons that diminish our intelligence and capability.
Yet, what they do not tell us is that despite our efforts to build pride, the struggle does not become easier. No matter how strong or perceptive we become, the challenges remain. The weight of systemic oppression is unyielding, but our only option is to rise above it.
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose legacy is often simplified and sanitized, I choose to celebrate my Blackness today. I will embrace my culture, dance freely, and let the sun illuminate my skin, a testament to my ancestors’ resilience. I refuse to be burdened by the expectations placed upon me, and instead, I will redefine my existence on a fundamental level—aiming to be buoyant and defy gravity, much like a soaring dunk reminiscent of Michael Jordan.
Today, I will carry my melanin like hydrogen.
In conclusion, the experience of being Black in America is a complex interplay of struggle, identity, and resilience. It is a journey marked by both collective burdens and individual celebrations, reminding us that while the weight may be heavy, our spirits can remain light.
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