It’s time like this when the structure of racism rears its ugly head from the hidden shadows of the so called “post-racial” society. It’s time like this where people are waking up and realizing that they are fighting an everyday struggle and war on race. These events that are blasted all over the news and social media numb one’s response and ability to process the difficult situations. When we are constantly waking up to hear of another killing of someone who looks likes us— we begin to constantly question, “Are my family, friends, co-workers, peers, neighbors next,” or even, “Am I next?”
These thoughts have begun to circulate throughout my daily activities such as going to work or meeting with people. With these thoughts, however, how can I focus on the tasks at hand? How can I look someone in the eye when they ask me if everything is ok and continuously attempt to hold back tears or frustration?
I do not speak for everyone, but I hope to be a vessel for those that do not know the correct words to say. We are tired. We are frustrated. We are upset. We cannot stand to see our people continue to be ripped away from their families, but we understand that this is not new. The foundation of this country was built on the backs of African slaves and indigenous people. After the cruel treatment of slavery, black people then faced overt racism after being “freed”. They were mocked in minstrel shows, and beaten and thrown in jail because they wanted equality. They were sent to jail as a result of racial profiling and unfair laws targeted towards the black community. What makes the brutality any different today when it has been rooted in this country’s foundations? We are frustrated. We are upset. We do not want to be a #Hashtag (insert name). We do not want to be a video circulating social media with a thread of hateful comments below.
We are a strong people. We have persevered through so much and will continue to keep fighting. We will continue to strive for justice when our backs are to the wall. We will continue to strive for equality when doors are slammed in our face. We will continue to strive for change because it is necessary if we all want to be free. In the words of Malcolm X, “There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.”
The next time is happening now.
Jacklyn Asamoah
President of Black Student Union
