Dear Black People
We are hilarious, petty, ratchet, cliquish, intelligent, forgiving group of people. I’m black as if it wasn’t obvious, so I can say this certainty.
We come in different sizes shapes shades income levels, we come from different countries, but we share a common story.
We don’t all think alike, I thank God for that, because that would be boring. I talk about LBGTQ, Muslim, Politics, Immigration, black and white issues as a matter of fact.
I don’t feel the need to be super duper blackety black black and I damn sure ain’t looking down my nose at some young man coming up with his pants hanging below his waist.
Because I remember the stinging words from my teachers in school and the nasty looks I’d receive from retail associates when I entered a department store. I remember walking into a car dealership and listening to the line questioning and knowing something was off. I know how it feels to be discriminated against because of the color skin or the clothes you wear. I even bought into the myth that if I dressed differently I’d be treated differently.
I can hang a suit, tie a windsor knot and a bow tie; and I’d still have people look at me funny, white and black. That’s their problem, I didn’t know it then, but I realize it now. Your confidence bothers some people, your spirit will irritate others. Don’t try to conform to fit into acceptable group norms that’s the trick if everyone is thinking the same we’ll continue producing the same old shit.
I’ve watched older generations shit on younger generations for years. I’ve witnessed this throughout my work and personal life, in the church and even within my beloved running community.
Which is what lead me to start developing content in the first place, because I witnessed the division, t-shirt wars, running group battles, debates that escalate quickly and get out of hand.
I’ve had post deleted, while I was fully dressed. Page administrators have DM me and asked that I adhere to their page guidelines; I can’t get mad and feel some kinda way-I’ve gotta respect their rules.
I’ve had black people hit me up because they wanted to start a Podcast, a blog a vlog or whatever and I haven’t heard from them since. When I started reviewing sneakers I reached out to Peter, a white bloggers who introduced me to my man Thomas a tatted up white dude from BMore who loves kicks, this was several years ago and we are still connected today. Some of us think transactional that’s short term.
I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing people from different cultures clear across the United States and from other countries. But, yet I have problems getting returned calls from my own people-I don’t take a personal. I’m on a mission trying to build something!
I’m not part of a fraternity, trade organization, chamber of commerce and I’m not interested in rubbing shoulders fake smiles or limp handshakes.
I’m not waiting for someone to put me on because as quickly as they put you on they can try and tear you down.
If you feel inspired to start something just put yourself out there; your vibe will attract your tribe.
