I ain’t never been THIS Black before…

They see us, but they don’t see “color”. They’re not listening

Photo by on

Growing up in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, I was immersed in a diverse community rich in culture, with African Americans and West Indian immigrants blending their traditions and values. The prevailing narrative was straightforward: pursue education diligently, and the American Dream would be within reach. My mother always emphasized the sacrifices she made to provide me with opportunities, which made the stakes for me even higher.

Naively, I embraced the notion that hard work alone would pave a linear path to success, where I would harmoniously sing “We are the world” with my coworkers. The promise seemed simple enough, but the reality I encountered was far more complex. I remained oblivious to the systemic barriers entrenched within my socio-economic status and the pervasive environmental stressors lurking in my community. It wasn’t until the emergence of the #blacklivesmatter movement that the veil of ignorance began to lift, revealing the intricate web of systemic racism designed to keep individuals like me confined to predetermined boundaries. I feel tricked, hoodwinked, and bamboozled!!!!!

My previous roles were in non-managerial positions within social services, where both colleagues and clients predominantly identified as Black and Brown. There were a few times there…