It’s 2020 and African Americans still can’t breathe. It brings extreme sadness to my heart to know that this fight against racism has yet to come to an end. It is heartbreaking to know that even if you do the “right thing” as some people say, you are still a target. You can still be killed, falsely accused, and brutally beaten. I can’t help but wonder how our ancestors made it through years and years of trauma, disappointments, setbacks, and even lost their lives trying to make the world a better place for black Americans. The sad truth is that what is going on now is only a taste of what our ancestors went through.
This past weekend, I was able to witness the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond, Virginia. The statue that was built to honor the late Civil War confederate general and slave master, is now completely covered with the names of black people that have been killed by the police and more. So why in 2020 are there statues still standing that represent slavery and the oppression of African Americans? Why in 2020 do we still have to look at a statue of a man that caused black people mental, spiritual, and physical pain?
I must say that seeing the statue with all of the markings was an experience that I can’t seem to put into words. It was an empowering feeling with a mix of sadness. To be present and alive during these sad times is something that I will never forget. To see so many people, black and white, fighting to end racism is something that I will also never forget. But last but certainly not least, I will never forget all of the beautiful African American people that have lost their lives due to the color of their skin. I will always remember their names and their stories no matter how hurtful and painful it may be.
As a young black woman, I know that the fight against racism is far from over. I know that there are some people that still don’t get it, no matter how many innocent black people are killed. One thing I do know is that I will do everything I can to try to make this world a better place for African Americans because one day I could have a black son or daughter. As a whole, I am praying for this country and I hope that one day we will truly be free.