One Nation, Under God

Phillips County has made me proud

I originally started writing about social media bickering, but I instead thought that maybe I would share a little of what has been on my mind. Take it or leave it.

I don’t expect people to have the same opinion that I do, because they haven’t seen life through my eyes. How can you know a problem exists, if you haven’t experienced it?

I may have said this before, but I am appreciative of those who have reached out to myself and Susan about current social issues. It has not been easy. Again, I do not expect anyone to understand what the world looks like through my eyes, but I am glad that I have friends here in Phillips County that have reached out to me in these times.

I broke down and cried in front of a friend because of their kind words. A man approached me to talk and he was so choked up that he couldn’t get words out.

I am proud of being black, but history has not been kind. Things have improved drastically since 1865, but I believe that things could be better.

I don’t know if you ever have felt like living in your skin can be a curse, but to be honest, being African American feels that way at times. Imagine crying for help and it feeling like no one cares. Imagine being reminded daily that you have descended from slavery, Jim Crow laws, targeting, and hatred because of your skin tone. What do you think I think of whenever I see anything Confederate? I am reminded that there are still some people that want slavery (not all).

Racial bias and hate are ideals not just limited to America. Some of the most hate that I have received came from people that aren’t white or black Americans.

Imagine, getting your band kicked out of a house because you are black. Yup, that happened to me. We were homeless and on tour because the landlord did not like my skin color. Here is another kicker; we went to the same church, and played praise and worship music together. There is more to that story by the way.

Thanks to bigots like the ones mentioned in the paragraph above, I am happy to try to crush any stereotype about my skin color or culture that has been blown up or exaggerated by television screens and smartphones.

I am thankful for Phillips County. You guys have made me and my family feel loved! Your kindness, thoughts, prayers, and words have made my world a better place.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/19/2024 22:22