Living in the U.S as a Black Person

A lot of black people (like myself) are scared when placed in certain situations in public. However we go about our days hoping we never come across violent racist people.

The story of Ahmad Aubrey really hit close to home because I’m a black Woman who enjoys outdoor activities especially running. 

The questions I kept asking myself were; 

• Why do some people still feel they’re more superior to others? 
• What is the thought process around the supreme/superiority feeling? 
• What is it that they see when they look at others?
• Is there a way to educate these people to see others as regular human beings? 
• Is it just the melanin difference or is there something that’s distinctive about a black person that repulses them?

The above questions have been plaguing my mind since I discovered the existence of these supremacist groups. They’re still an enigma to me.

To be honest, when I step out of the house to go for an outdoor run on my own, I don’t actually fear for my life as a black person. I am more afraid of being attacked as a woman. However, ever since I heard about the news of Ahmad Aubrey, my awareness has heighten beyond normal.

Before the 6-feet social distancing became the new normal (pre-coronavirus pandemic of 2020), I usually switch lanes when I see anyone coming in my direction. During my run on Friday, May 8, 2020 (virtual run to honor Ahmad), I switched lanes again but people were waving and thanking me this time around. It suddenly dawned on me that I was being thanked for honoring the 6-feet social distancing policy.

The fact is, we live in a world where some people still believe they are more superior/supreme than other human beings. I’ve always accepted that as a norm. However, the people that frighten me are those supremacist groups that can result to violence. 

MLK once said, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." 

I still look forward to that day that MLK dreamt about. A day that people will see me as a human first not by the level of melanin in my skin but by my character as a human being. May God help us!

#IRunWithMaud #Godislove #ihaveadream #