Every Black person navigating white America knows there’s always the opportunity to betray the Black community and your own principles in exchange for the perceived benefits of being the chosen Negro, or in Brando Starkey’s better words, a coon. "A Black person who puts on a specific performance for white people — a performance whereby a Black person says things or performs acts to ingratiate himself or herself in exchange for the social rewards white folk can grant. It’s a quid pro quo.”
“People who believe you’re their inferior will never truly stand in solidarity with you”
Whoooo Yem. This is a word. And as a fellow lawyer from that same school; I very much understand what you mean. I didn’t get nearly as many comments from admin as you did, but I heard many of the same things from fellow students and in class discourse.
And actually working in the field is even worse. Which is why I will always show up as my full self. My natural hair popping while I litigate my ass off. My melanin shining while I help write judicial opinions. And my people in my heart and mind in decisions I make. Thank you for this!!
This resonates deeply, particularly that opening paragraph about performing for white people. It is exactly what we are seeing in Canada with tribal "governments" humping the pope's leg while he glibly goes about his fake, evil business. That man should be made to grovel before us.
Thank you for this insightful and unapologetic perspective. As a 4th generation Florida resident and former elementary school teacher, I don't have much faith that America can move past these tools of divisiveness. It seems our society returns to this false narrative of race based superiority over and over again. I've walked away from several friendships because of this over the course of my life, sometimes due to blatant racism, but more recently due to the inability of my supposedly liberal friends to accept my stand on abolition and my rejection of the police state. People whose friendships I cherished, that aren't overtly cruel or inherently ignorant, seem to struggle with the idea that The Proud Boys and Black Lives Matter are not groups that should be treated with equal legitimacy. I have former friends that were accepting of homosexuality but not with extending that 'free to be you and me' mentality to my nonbinary kid. I know without inclusion and acceptance the abolition movement doesn't stand a chance and I've seen this type of forgiveness and tolerance modeled in the works and writings of former Black Panther, Young Lords, and American Indian Movement leaders. Unfortunately, I have little patience for cognitive dissonance (or whatever disease elitist folks suffer with) and little hope that those who have power and privilege (whether they acknowledge it or not) under these current systems will give it up without a fight. Still, I'm eager to stand with those that understand that skin color, wealth, or access to power doesn't make one a better (or worse) human being, and furthermore, despite their place in this dysfunctional society, all people deserve to be treated with dignity. Looking forward to reading more thought provoking and encouraging words from you soon.
Reading this reminds me of the time, during the 2020 protests, when the NBA players were threatening a walkout, and Obama swooped in out of the blue and “negotiated” a “settlement”. A settlement that included: no racial Justice, no reparations, no changes in the police departments in the cities the players played/lived in. But DID include millions of dollars in NBA Africa stock for Obama. I agree with you: Coons always gonna coon.
This is such powerful writing. Being Canadian, it’s very tempting for me to disconnect myself from the issues raised here… “things sure are terrible in the States…!” But I know that’s just being glib and no matter where we come from, we all have similar issues to deal with (I imagine your writing resonates deeply with First Nations people here, too). Is there a way forward? I truly hope so. For now, I’m just going to read the rest of your blog with an open heart and mind.
As a white man in America, I think I understand your views from an outsiders perspective. I realize how it must feel to always feel like you don’t measure up to what society sets as the standard. I admire that you don’t give a damn about what society wants from you and you have a heart that is fully aware and that sense that you are at your core, a black woman who can recognize that society does move the goal posts. I think also you’re a damn fine writer and I enjoyed your perspective of making it personal to you and other people of color.
Thank you. Do not ever stop speaking and writing. My 14 year old daughter will ensure the doors you open remain open. Your work, your sharing, your passion is meaningful. Happy Birthday. Thanks for not only writing this gift to us on YOUR birthday, but for being a gift to us.
“People who believe you’re their inferior will never truly stand in solidarity with you”
Whoooo Yem. This is a word. And as a fellow lawyer from that same school; I very much understand what you mean. I didn’t get nearly as many comments from admin as you did, but I heard many of the same things from fellow students and in class discourse.
And actually working in the field is even worse. Which is why I will always show up as my full self. My natural hair popping while I litigate my ass off. My melanin shining while I help write judicial opinions. And my people in my heart and mind in decisions I make. Thank you for this!!
This resonates deeply, particularly that opening paragraph about performing for white people. It is exactly what we are seeing in Canada with tribal "governments" humping the pope's leg while he glibly goes about his fake, evil business. That man should be made to grovel before us.
Thank you for this insightful and unapologetic perspective. As a 4th generation Florida resident and former elementary school teacher, I don't have much faith that America can move past these tools of divisiveness. It seems our society returns to this false narrative of race based superiority over and over again. I've walked away from several friendships because of this over the course of my life, sometimes due to blatant racism, but more recently due to the inability of my supposedly liberal friends to accept my stand on abolition and my rejection of the police state. People whose friendships I cherished, that aren't overtly cruel or inherently ignorant, seem to struggle with the idea that The Proud Boys and Black Lives Matter are not groups that should be treated with equal legitimacy. I have former friends that were accepting of homosexuality but not with extending that 'free to be you and me' mentality to my nonbinary kid. I know without inclusion and acceptance the abolition movement doesn't stand a chance and I've seen this type of forgiveness and tolerance modeled in the works and writings of former Black Panther, Young Lords, and American Indian Movement leaders. Unfortunately, I have little patience for cognitive dissonance (or whatever disease elitist folks suffer with) and little hope that those who have power and privilege (whether they acknowledge it or not) under these current systems will give it up without a fight. Still, I'm eager to stand with those that understand that skin color, wealth, or access to power doesn't make one a better (or worse) human being, and furthermore, despite their place in this dysfunctional society, all people deserve to be treated with dignity. Looking forward to reading more thought provoking and encouraging words from you soon.
BRAVISSIMO.
Reading this reminds me of the time, during the 2020 protests, when the NBA players were threatening a walkout, and Obama swooped in out of the blue and “negotiated” a “settlement”. A settlement that included: no racial Justice, no reparations, no changes in the police departments in the cities the players played/lived in. But DID include millions of dollars in NBA Africa stock for Obama. I agree with you: Coons always gonna coon.
Excellent read!
this is powerful
"...racism is without merit and racists are unprincipled."
boom
What a timely truth!
This is such powerful writing. Being Canadian, it’s very tempting for me to disconnect myself from the issues raised here… “things sure are terrible in the States…!” But I know that’s just being glib and no matter where we come from, we all have similar issues to deal with (I imagine your writing resonates deeply with First Nations people here, too). Is there a way forward? I truly hope so. For now, I’m just going to read the rest of your blog with an open heart and mind.
This was phenomenal, thank you for writing!
As a white man in America, I think I understand your views from an outsiders perspective. I realize how it must feel to always feel like you don’t measure up to what society sets as the standard. I admire that you don’t give a damn about what society wants from you and you have a heart that is fully aware and that sense that you are at your core, a black woman who can recognize that society does move the goal posts. I think also you’re a damn fine writer and I enjoyed your perspective of making it personal to you and other people of color.
Insightful and liberating
All of this!!!
God, this Said things I didn't know how to put in words.
Thank you. Do not ever stop speaking and writing. My 14 year old daughter will ensure the doors you open remain open. Your work, your sharing, your passion is meaningful. Happy Birthday. Thanks for not only writing this gift to us on YOUR birthday, but for being a gift to us.