It’s been a month since my last post. I trust that you’ve been keeping well. I know that Christmas is near and that I should be spreading cheer but I can’t seem to shake off the effect of the racist remarks that I have heard in recent days. This morning as my little one clung to me, I couldn’t help but shudder at the thought of not being able to protect him from the racial uncertainties that I have begun to fear. Growing up in a predominantly Black Nation, I did not experience the woes of racial discrimination during my formative years. However, in these past months, I continue to marvel at the extent of hatred, based on the color of one’s skin. It breaks my heart, when people that I know continue to utter unwarranted racially biased statements. I want my child to grow up knowing the fear of the Lord and to love his neighbor. Fortunately, he attends a great school, where discrimination has not been a factor. Nevertheless, I am so afraid of the unknown.

As I write, I have tears streaming down my face. Thanks to the social media, I have been reading the venom that some of our ‘colleagues’ have been spewing about people of color. I know that life is not a fairy tale, but I am repulsed that individuals who proclaim to be God-fearing and people-loving are constantly uttering derogatory statements about people of my race. I am sorry, but I cannot shake the disgust at the pit of my stomach. My friends don’t be fooled into thinking that racism and discrimination is from the non-enlightened. No, the culprit could easily be your college friend, that pious person in your Church group, your friendly muffin-baking neighbor... The list goes on.

 In the land of the brave and the free, I wish for great opportunities for my child. I know there are several successful Blacks in the U.S., but I cannot help but to wonder what these individuals discuss at their kitchen tables. As I sit behind my computer this morning, I must say that I am disillusioned by the tide of racism that I am experiencing. Although I am grateful to my diverse portfolio of friends who stand by my family through sickness, health, recitals, sports festivities, good times and bad times, I remain afraid of the hatred that is being spewed by ‘the others’ on a daily basis. Despite the atrocities and venom of racism, I hope I am able to train my child in the best way possible… So help me God.