The Real American Horror Story: On Being Black in Trump's America

An original photo of BLM Chicago Activist Maria Hernandez. She urges audiences to take action against police corruption.

Yes, I'm mad,
but my anger goes deeper than a trope.

If you have something to say, you should say it. Right now, we are in an epoch of blatant racism, no thanks to the mouthpiece that got elected by Russia in 2016. But, before I get into that, I would like to say welcome back. It's been a while since I've been on this blog, so let's talk about what brought me back. It wasn't Nia Wilson, or Harith Augustus, or the 10 year old boy who was treated like a man and thrown to the ground by police. This is not about them individually but collectively. Where is the humanity for Black people?

I took a hiatus from this blog because I'm writing a book and in grad school, but this is something I can make time for because this is something that I have to live through every day. I watched people break down in tears after the Harith Augustus murder because they were grieving their loved ones who were murdered at the hands of the police.

I've watched my sister get into it with a white, male officer who seemed like he wanted to do her harm. I have personal experience with ineffective policing. So, understandably, I am tired, I am angry, and I am moved to action.

Don't let them kill you.

It is truly heartbreaking - the lengths black people have to go just to get a slither of humanity in this country. We are fed tf up with the way this system is rigged against us - no matter where we come from. Consider the following examples:

1. Colin Kaepernick vs. Josh Hader: Kaepernick was crucified for his protest and the NFL has now released "Anthem Rules" as a way to silence those who are at least trying to use their platforms to seek justice. Yet, Hader, who is also in Sports, is welcomed with applause after racist tweets are discovered. He does not lose his job over hatred and malice, while Kaepernick remains a free agent for speaking his truth.

2. Nia Wilson vs. Wannabe Katniss: Nia Wilson is vilified for a PHONE CASE, while the broke-down Katniss Everdeen is always appearing on my timeline with her gun-totting and dog whistle politics. Had she been Black, gun reform would have passed immediately, she probably would have her degree snatched, and she would be called something to the tune of "thug" and "gangbanger."

So, no matter what arena we come from, Black folks are always targeted and grant the short end of the stick. It. is. exhausting.

Original Photo taken at South Shore Protest on July 16, 2018. The back has names of police brutality victims,

So, if you're wondering, yes, I'm mad, but my anger goes deeper than a trope. The "Angry Black Woman" trope is problematic for a variety of reasons. First of all, my anger does not define me. I am angry and a Black woman, but I am not an "angry black woman," if you catch what I'm saying.

However, I do not think we should shy from our anger. It was anger that led to many other revolutions in this country and worldwide. Judging by the political sphere and these continued acts of violence, I can sense a revolution brewing. Will it be televised? We shall see.

Feel free to chime in below and click here to see a gallery of images from South Shore. Thanks for reading!

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