Times are tough for the African American race. Why? Because it seems like every time I turn around, something happens to further ignite the rage that is in our, African Americans’, hearts. It is happening where I am specifically, Mizzou, and around the world.
Just this week, there was another incident with the Legion of Black Collegians at the University of Missouri. An incident where again, they were subject to racial profiling and name calling. Almost a year after the protest that caused national media to fly to Columbia and cover the chaos that came to be what Mizzou is known for. It has caused people around the U.S to wonder if our campus is safe, and it has caused potential students to look elsewhere for their education. All because there seems to be a power trip on this campus and in the world.
But how can Mizzou change, if what Mizzou sees everywhere is the white race putting us, the black race, down whenever they can? Who does Mizzou have to look up to in order to fix this?
It saddens me that this is the world that I and we have to live in. I am scared out of my mind constantly. Scared that if I cross someone the wrong way, my life could end. It isn't supposed to be like this. I should be able to be comfortable in the skin that I’m in. I am a senior this year, and it has come to the point where I am considering jobs out of the country just to get away from all this hate and uncertainty. It is all ridiculous.
I grew up in an atmosphere where I have always been accepting of others whether my skin looks the same as my counterparts or not. I grew up believing that I could do whatever I put my mind to, but lately, I am seeing that this may be subjective. I can believe whatever I want to believe, but if the people that are hiring me cannot then what good is that belief? And sadly, this is becoming the norm. It doesn’t surprise me anymore when I see police shootings on the news. It doesn’t surprise me when I see mass shootings on the TV. It doesn’t surprise me when a presidential candidate says the only way we handle this situation is by “law and order.” It doesn’t surprise me anymore, and that is frightening.
Unfortunately, I don’t see the world changing anytime soon. It is scary because I am still young and I still have a life to live. I still have lives to give and I am scared for those lives. I am scared that I may have sons that are going to be receptive to racial profiling and on the wrong end of the spectrum. But I am officially putting this in God’s hands. I don’t want to worry anymore. God will take care of this and make sure this is handled in the way he sees fit. So to those that are scared, pray and release this burden because I don’t think that we can change the world on our own.
