"As a Black woman, I’ve been exhausted for 40 years... Why? Because I have always had to work 3 times harder than my counterparts to get in the “room”, to get that job, to get campaigns, to get the money I deserve.
I grew up in predominate white neighbourhoods, played tennis, a very white sport that earned me a scholarship to a very white university...until I transferred to Howard University, but until that transfer, I had usually been the only black in the room and I had to work my ass off to get there. It. Is. A. Lot. It is draining. I now have a daughter that is half white...but to the world she is considered black. And let me tell you something, when I got pregnant this last time (I had a miscarriage before Max) I hoped and prayed it was going to be a girl.
Not for the superficial reasons you may think, but simply because I feared having to raise a black boy in today’s society. I knew after that boy turned a certain age, I would live paralyzed in fear for his safety every time he left the house. I felt more comfortable raising a girl after my own life experiences. I say all of this just to explain to those who may not understand why shit hit the fan this week. It’s become too much to watch non-black folks we consider friends, peers, clients turn a blind eye and stay silent about what is gong on.
Combined with a global pandemic...OVERWHELMING.
There has been a major shift this week, but we still have so far to go.
I am filled with pride watching those of you who are now speaking up and checking their privilege at the door. And for those who still cannot find a place in your heart to help make a difference...
I cannot make a place for you in my life." We stand with you @sashaexeter. Always by your side.
#BlackLivesMatter