Can’t be the same America…

I’ve personally been told that last one a few times over the years.  Now I will say that I’ve been blessed to not have had any kind of negative experience with law enforcement during my short 26 years on this earth, but that doesn’t make my #AliveWhileBlack experiences any less damaging mentally.

#AliveWhileBlack: Being told that I was only given a bid in my historically and predominantly white sorority because they “wanted some diversity”. I went to our executive board with this and was told that the sister was lying, but it still hurts to this day.

#AliveWhileBlack: Being followed around in department stores because I don’t look like I could afford anything there.

Or the exact opposite:#AliveWhileBlack not being acknowledged even after approaching the register because the sales clerk didn’t think I could purchase anything in the store.  What’s so sad is that this was in Abercrombie & Fitch!  I called corporate and they actually responded and sent a gift card to “make things right”, I gave it away and haven’t shopped there since.

#AliveWhileBlack: Having to work twice as hard to get the recognition/pay/accolades a man does.  You think it’s hard being a woman in America?  Try being a black woman.

#AliveWhileBlack: Being laughed at and “why? Isn’t that what your people are good at?” when I once told someone that I would’ve preferred to be a desk agent instead of one who goes undercover in a gang or as a prostitute in the DEA.  Excuse me? MY people are good at being drug dealers and prostitutes?!

#AliveWhileBlack: Having someone scoff and shake their head then say “there goes another one of those babymamas” in a disgusted tone when I was out with Moke.   Please know that I informed that woman that I in fact was babysitting my nephew and that I didn’t have any children.  She was stunned in silence.

I could go on and on, but I’m not going to because it’s upsetting me just to think about it.  It’s saddens and angers me that white privilege is still alive and well, and because of so many injustices many Black people aren’t…well alive.  So yeah, the revolution might not be televised.  They might only show the riots and looting on TV to gain viewership, but it will be tweeted, instagrammed and posted on Facebook.

Comment below and let me know if the no-bill decision on both the Mike Brown and Eric Garner has you saying #ICan’tBreathe.

Edit to add:  

I came across the following picture shared on my timeline by a sorority sister and felt compelled to comment on it.  I’ve decided not to disclose my sorority sister’s name, so there will be black boxes over it.