For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt the profound weight of my skin, as if it bore the heft of uranium. Blackness in America is undeniably burdensome. This reality has hit me hard during the countless times I’ve encountered law enforcement for merely driving, or when an overly vigilant security guard shadows me in a store. The sensation intensifies when I find myself as the sole person of color in the workplace, particularly when in a management role. This weight is palpable during job interviews, housing searches, and even in relationships.
Similar to the powerful force that binds atoms, I also carry the collective weight of our shared experiences—the inherent knowledge that justice would elude Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and Sandra Bland, alongside many others whose names have faded into obscurity, including my cousin, Marcus Hayes, who never received the recognition he deserved.
I feel this burden when I witness Americans burning Colin Kaepernick’s jersey for his silent stand against racial injustice. It strikes me when I see heavily armed forces confront peaceful demonstrators. I see the irony in the booming cannabis industry, while countless Black men remain incarcerated for minor offenses related to marijuana. The constant barrage of racial slurs, jokes, and attempts to undermine Black achievements is a daily obstacle we navigate, akin to a boxer skillfully evading punches.
Our culture and identity manifest in our food, poetry, and music—each a testament to our enduring struggle. The poignant words of writers like Zora Neale Hurston and the complex flavors that reflect histories of deprivation speak volumes. From gospel and jazz to hip-hop, our art pulsates with conflict and purpose.
Yet, embedded in this weight is the reality that our success often hinges on the decisions of others. Until someone like Branch Ricky recognizes talent, many promising individuals may never get the opportunity to shine. Even when they can’t take it from you, they might appropriate it, claiming credit for the brilliance that Black minds produce, while access to resources remains a barrier.
The toll on our health is another testament to this systemic oppression, with diseases like diabetes and hypertension disproportionately affecting communities of color—not due to genetics, but as a consequence of relentless stress and adverse living conditions.
The journey to embrace our Blackness is a challenging one, often starting in childhood. Like many Black kids, I learned the lyrics to “The Greatest Love of All” by age five. As a child, I didn’t grasp why this anthem was imparted to us, but as an adult, the underlying message becomes clear: “To make it easier.”
To make it easier amidst the ridicule of our hair’s natural texture, the derision of our lips, and the unfounded comparisons to apes. Every time our intelligence is questioned or our work ethic doubted, we are reminded of the systemic forces designed to undermine us.
What is seldom conveyed is that no amount of pride can truly ease these burdens. You might grow stronger, smarter, and more perceptive, but the fight never lessens. The only option is to rise above.
Every February, we celebrate Black History Month, recounting tales of struggle and bravery—of heroes who fought valiantly and inventors who changed the world, yet often their stories are diluted. We await the inevitable display of ignorance that accompanies this month, contrasting the legacy of leaders like Dr. King, who sought justice for all, yet faced brutality and ultimately, assassination.
But today, I choose joy in my Blackness. Today, I will blast my music and dance freely, allowing the sunlight to kiss my skin, as my ancestors shielded me with their strength. I’ll immerse myself in a culture that has withstood the test of time, impervious to the efforts of white supremacy. Today, I refuse to bear the expectations imposed on me because of my skin color. I will honor Dr. King by redefining my reality: instead of feeling weighed down by struggle, I will float like a feather.
Today, I will celebrate my melanin with the same lightness and grace as hydrogen.
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In summary, embracing one’s identity while navigating systemic challenges is a complex yet rewarding journey. By choosing joy over burden, we can redefine the narrative of our existence.