Like many around the world, I've debated how I should address the police brutality, black oppression, protests and riots, and our new cultural shift. Like many of my white counterparts, I too struggle with forming the right words to say. To be transparent, I have many white people in my family; they are my friends, business associates, coworkers, mentors, and a part of my church family. I grew up with white people, and some of my best friendships were with white people.
It has been difficult for me to fully express myself because I have intertwined my life with white people, and I don't want to appear as if this weren't a problem. Because of this, I felt split and conflicted inside. Many black people like me have forgiven white people and have taken the stance of judging each white person individually instead of collectively or by our traumatizing past experiences. I believe that my maturity comes from my relationship with Jesus Christ and his teachings.
But I reckoned that everyone, no matter the race, doesn't have that same thought process; therefore, I am sharing my story for every nonblack person who has asked how I feel about today's events.
I, Davida, have experience racism from every angle. I was arrested many years ago by a white cop who quoted, "he just wanted to teach me a lesson." I've experienced racism in corporate America, where I worked for an engineering firm as their youngest black female. Out of 400 employees, only 20 of those employees were black. I lived further south, where I experienced racism by Spanish and Hispanic people who only seem to accept fair-skinned or light-skinned black people. I've been racially profiled by Indian and Asian people who think black people are "ghetto and thieves." These are the words that have been communicated to me by these cultures.
Here's another story.
A few months ago, around 8 pm, I pulled into my apartment complex sitting in the car and chatting on the phone when two law enforcement vehicles aggressively blocked me inside and looked in my car with their flashlights, demanding they see my license. When I asked what this was about, they couldn't give me a straight answer and asked why I was sitting in my car. I was scared out of mind and immediately started praying because, at any given second, these two white officers can kill me and get away with it.
If you think I'm exaggerating, let me provide more context for you.
I live in the suburbs. I was parked in front of my home that I've lived in for three years, and I did not commit a crime. So why do you think they harassed me?
Here's the answer: they were looking for a fight.
White people, has this ever happened to you, your child, or your family?
While I've only mentioned a few of my experiences, I do have a lifetime of information to assess how I feel about today's racial climate, and that is why I wrote this blog.
BLACK PEOPLE AREN'T TREATED FAIRLY!
Yes, especially in the places that count like our education system, our justice system, and our economic system. Black people are consistently overlooked, not given a chance, and judge from the moment we are BORN.
I share my story not to condemn other races but to make other races connected to me (in my circle) aware that what black people are saying isn't a lie. They are not exaggerating, and our pain does run deep.
This wake-up call isn't just about George Floyd.
It's about every black injustice that didn't have the privilege of being recorded.
It's about me as a black mom, nervous about the conversations I need to have with Hero, my black son.
It's about me not being approved for business loans and mortgages because I am black.
It's about the underlying racist tone that black people experience every single day.
Here's an extra note for you. I received a lawsuit settlement check in the mail from Toyota Financial Services. They had lost a civil suit due to racism by giving black people higher interest rates compared to our counterparts. They lost that case and every black person who purchased a car during that time received a check. Racism is literally everywhere.
Thankfully, these days our smartphones has aided in bringing these hurtful moments to the forefront. But what happens to the racism that occurs when no one is watching.
So here's where I stand.
I am in 100% support of the protesting and rioting that is happening. History shows us that protesting is one way how change occurs, and if that's what it takes for my black brothers and sisters to start being measured by their character instead of the color of their skin, then I'm all for it.
To the non-black people reading my heartfelt letter and who knows me personally, please know that I love you, and I appreciate our relationship. If you appreciate mine, I am asking you to stand in the gap and speak against racial corruption among your family members and intimate groups. I pray that you will not become offended or scared but recognize that we are a people who need to CHANGE collectively.
I know it's hard to step in black people's shoes as a whole, so I ask that you step into my shoes alone. You know me.
I grew up in Middle Class.
I obtained a B.S. from a credible University.
I excelled in corporate America.
I never committed a crime.
I am a brilliant, honest, and law-abiding citizen.
I am a successful Entrepreneur, Teacher, Speaker, and Writer.
I am an author.
I am the proud mom of an intelligent boy.
I pay my taxes and contribute to society.
I am featured on popular platforms because of my efforts to help the world around me.
I love Jesus and my church is predominantly white.
Yet, still…. With all my commitments, accomplishments, and accolades.
Your president considers me a black thug.
Your society feels unsafe when I'm present.
Your law enforcement finds me as a threat.
Your teachers think I'm dumb.
Your governors and mayors speak to me as I am a statistic.
Haven't I proven to be more? Because there are so many black people just like me.
As I close, I leave you with this.
We've done our part, and now it's time to do yours.
Thank you and please share this blog with your closest family and friends. Also, please comment your honest feedback as communication is the leading cause to change. If you would like to take the next step, share with me one thing you're doing to aide in change.
Thank you for reading my blog. May Jesus continue to soften our hearts and give us the strength to keep His commandments of loving others as we love ourselves.
God Bless You!
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