African American Studies
- Submitted by: dynamo3d
- Views: 472
- Category: Politics: Moral Issues
- Date Submitted: 02/01/2015 08:50 AM
- Pages: 16
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Black people, it's about Black Americans". As I put these dates on my Outlook calendar, I got to thinking about what it's been like for me being Black in America.
To be candid, it hasn't been a "walk in the park". But as I think back on my 57 years as a Black woman in this country, I wouldn't have it any other way. I've experienced a richness of life that comes from my family history, my own past and the present where I'm proudly watching a Black man run for president. It's not just because he's Black, though, which is hard to explain to someone who's not.
So I thought if I shared some of my experiences of being Black in America -- 50 to be exact -- it might give you some insight into why I am completely overwhelmed by the political scene and the ways "we the people" are starting to unite for change. Keep in mind this disclaimer -- what you read is what I experienced and felt. I don't explain or apologize for the way that growing up, coming of age and aging in America has given me memories of --
1. Being a little girl and not knowing about racism and what was coming until I started to grow out of the protective bubble my parents tried to place around us.
2. Being old enough to remember being called "colored", "Negro", "Afro-American", "Black" and "African American". My preference -- I'm Black. I'm also an American -- no prefix.
3. Watching the "Amos and Andy" show in the 50s and wondering where were the other Black people on TV.
4. Going with my family to a peace march in Detroit in 1963 where a young minister, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a speech about his "dream"--the speech he later gave to millions on the Mall in Washington, D.C.
5. Hearing about Dr. King's assassination and crying.
6. Calling my parents and telling them I was skipping high school classes to march for equality -- and they agreed.
7. Meeting Rosa Parks and being impressed by her quiet grace.
8. Listening to my grandmother talk about seeing Black...
To be candid, it hasn't been a "walk in the park". But as I think back on my 57 years as a Black woman in this country, I wouldn't have it any other way. I've experienced a richness of life that comes from my family history, my own past and the present where I'm proudly watching a Black man run for president. It's not just because he's Black, though, which is hard to explain to someone who's not.
So I thought if I shared some of my experiences of being Black in America -- 50 to be exact -- it might give you some insight into why I am completely overwhelmed by the political scene and the ways "we the people" are starting to unite for change. Keep in mind this disclaimer -- what you read is what I experienced and felt. I don't explain or apologize for the way that growing up, coming of age and aging in America has given me memories of --
1. Being a little girl and not knowing about racism and what was coming until I started to grow out of the protective bubble my parents tried to place around us.
2. Being old enough to remember being called "colored", "Negro", "Afro-American", "Black" and "African American". My preference -- I'm Black. I'm also an American -- no prefix.
3. Watching the "Amos and Andy" show in the 50s and wondering where were the other Black people on TV.
4. Going with my family to a peace march in Detroit in 1963 where a young minister, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a speech about his "dream"--the speech he later gave to millions on the Mall in Washington, D.C.
5. Hearing about Dr. King's assassination and crying.
6. Calling my parents and telling them I was skipping high school classes to march for equality -- and they agreed.
7. Meeting Rosa Parks and being impressed by her quiet grace.
8. Listening to my grandmother talk about seeing Black...