It was a time of innocence when I didn't recognize color. As a child, all I knew was human. I knew that I was black and other people were white, but I did not know that people were categorized and judged based on the color of our skin. I just thought we were all people who happened to be different shades of color. I did not know that people would stereotype me because I am black.

The first time I faced prejudice, I was around five years old. During my gymnastics class, a girl told me that black people were retarded and that I was dumb because I'm black.

I was shocked. What did the color of my skin have to do with my intelligence? I cried after that moment. I felt confused and sad. I did not tell my mom about that incident right away because I was embarrassed. My mom told me what racism was and how it still existed. I still did not understand.

When I was in the third grade, my teacher tried to put me in a remedial English class, even though I was reading at an eighth-grade level. My teacher singled me out from day one. I was the only black child in my class, and she made it her mission to make me feel dumb, even though I continued to make the honor roll.

The first time I was called the N-word was on the bus in middle school. A boy with a heavy country accent and dip in his mouth complained to everyone and the bus driver that he did not want to sit next to a coon and a n*****.

In that moment, I was so angry. I was so sick of being judged because of the color of my skin. I was so mad that I pushed him off of his seat and he fell to the ground. I remember saying f-you really loudly. That was the first time I had ever cursed. He never did bother me again. That probably wasn't the best way to handle that situation, but I don't regret it. So sorry, not sorry.

To this day, I still face racism and prejudice. I know I always will. I wish I could say that one day people will get to a place where we aren't judged based on our skin complexion. Sadly, that just isn't a reality.

Thankfully, I know how to stand up for myself (without pushing anybody off their bus seat). The prejudice I faced growing up and continue to face now has made me stronger and has opened my eyes to the ignorance in this world. I am proud to be a black woman. Of course, it is difficult, but I am blessed to have this melanin.

However, I do wish that we could all go back to the age of innocence.