The Protector of Color
I appreciate my melanin. I am the protector of color which is not an easy task but an honor. It amazes me how something so beautiful is disrespected and hated on. When I look in the mirror and see this smooth chocolate skin I feel as though the sun kissed me itself.
Black is disliked by many but subtlety desired by all. From clothes, to music and the overall presence; black culture is unmatchable. Black people have an incomparable exuberance that is striking. The fact that we are comprised of many shades is one of a kind.
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My entire life I have been in predominantly black school systems. I received my bachelors degree from a Historically Black University. My first time in an ethnically diverse school setting was moving to Paris.
Not just a new state, a new country where I do not speak the language and black people are scarce. When I see another black person I automatically give a brief look of affirmation, that they are not alone.
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As Black History Month began I wondered would people at my American University say Happy Black History Month as much as they screamed Happy Valentines day - Nope. Are people afraid to acknowledge Black History Month? Or just do not simply care?
Living in my Parisian apartment in the 5th arrondisement somehow raises eyebrows. A well dressed black woman living in an amazing neighborhood catches people off guard. But I walk with pride because I want my presence to be felt. Uber drivers always curiously ask, "is this a hotel" or "do you live here" and I answer in a diva yet scholarly way with, "Yup, problem?"
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In the past I had certain self esteem issues but NEVER about the color of my skin. So walking in a place where people give looks of confusion or hate, I just smile at them to let them know to kill the stereotypes they have in their heads.
The things Black people go through just because of the color of our skin is agonizing and will never be understood. To be the protector of color I can never sway or be afraid to defend my culture even when people are rude or appropriating our prized possessions.
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Who said that being black was a bad thing anyway? Even though we are not "privileged" it is a privilege to be Black!
