I should not have to do this.

I should not have to write this, spelling out what is wrong with the inherent racism that runs deep in this country.

I should not have to worry about making you uncomfortable talking about the reality of racism, just because it's a reality so many Americans refuse to accept.

I should not be surrounded by images and standards that tell me my skin is ugly and my hair is “too nappy”.

I should not be told that I need to have mixed children, to spare them the misfortune of having dark skin.

I should not be raised to believe dark skin is a crime.

I should not have to be raised to fear the police.

I should not be told to avoid eye contact with an officer, just because it might be perceived as a threat.

I should not have to fear for my life every time I see those flashing lights.

I should not have any reason doubt that oath I know every officer takes.

I should not have to fear getting shot for being a black person in the wrong place.

I should not have to live with the fact that even complying could end with me face-down full of bullets.

I should not have to hold my hands high, and cry out "My life matters too!"

And yet I do.

Yet I still have to wake up to see another video of another black life being snuffed out.

A black life that was seen as less by a coward with a God-complex and a shiny badge.

A black life that could easily be my own at any time.

A black life that was ended over a goddamn taillight.

It's 2016, America. No one should have to remind y'all that their life matters too.