I think it’s time we had the truth conversation. Don’t you? You’re not going to get docility and apologies for ugly acts from me. Let’s unite in positivism and purpose for a better America by becoming one that stands in accountability and solidarity; speaking up for what’s right, as opposed to what’s popular. A black family’s survival during the 50s and 60s, during Jim Crow in the South were contingent upon lessons black parents taught their children about racism and hate mongers who felt superior because of their skin color.
My parents would reiterate to my siblings and me some of these life survival rules, including to only speak when spoken to. Do not trespass on white folks private lakes in the country. Stay out of their public swimming pools in town and never drink from water fountains that were marked “for whites only.”
Needless to say, black people had little say in the matter, as long as they did what they were supposed to do. In other words, live a “voiceless” life of apathy and docility and the races could exist, separately. I was a freshman when Integration came to Mississippi in the fall of 1970. Black children were hopeful and excited to be bused to the immaculate white schools (our schools were eyesores) that had to abide by the civil rights act. We were not to be discriminated against because of the color of our skin. The recent passing of the Civil Rights Act demanded that black people were to be treated equal to their white counterparts.
Life progressed as usual for school children of integration, even when angered white’s who could afford to do so, immediately removed their children out of the public school system to enroll them into private schools in adjoining towns. I realized for the first time that people feared change and that racism is a learned situation. There weren’t any racial incidents happening at that school between the kids. Children on both sides were initially hesitant about the other race, curious and a bit standoffish and rightfully so, considering what we were being taught in the homes. Friendships between the races that formed in schools were kept secret to prevent a parent stuck in the old tradition of supremacy and hatred. People who are raised with a hate mentality fear change and often commit intolerable acts.
What is happening in our America today, with racial profiling and police brutality that often lead to black men and women losing their lives should not happen. A person holding all white police officers accountable for the actions of a few is not fair. The cycle of distrust and “eye for an eye” backlash is senseless and will continue unless we stand in account and voice our truths. All of America, in every profession, of every race demographic, whether transgender, male, female, bisexual, straight or gay, must stand together and work to change the ugliness in these United States, for the betterment of ourselves, our children and future generations.
I loved and felt an overwhelming protection for my voiceless parents who I believed compromised their integrity for the safety of their children. I will always be true to who I am. I refuse to lend an apologetic ear to corruption, injustice and race baiting to appease another sensibilities. Iylana Vanzant was asked about the cycle of racism in America. She responded that Inferiority and Superiority is the root of racism, along with dishonesty. And until those erroneous beliefs and acts change in the minds of both races, a true conversation about race in America will never be had.
I think it’s time we had the truth conversation. Don’t you? You’re not going to get docility and apologies for ugly acts from me. Let’s unite in positivity and purpose for a better America by becoming one that stands in accountability and solidarity; speaking up for what’s right, as opposed to what’s popular.
Clara Freeman is a former nurse of 30 plus years who advocates for the voices of women, children and the elderly. Her popular eBook, A Life toward Authenticity-My Authentic Woman Story is available on Amazon.com and Kindle. Look for the releases of her new book, Unleash Your Pearls Empowering Women’s Voices, currently at the publishers pending a release date. Visit Clara’s work at http://wisewoman2.wordpress.com