Dear Society...

Dear society, I wonder what would happen if we lived in a place where black girls were naturally themselves and there was no hate. They would love themselves naturally and the origin of their race because they were never once judged by the color of their face. Their men would not be subjects of visionary hate but instead, appreciate a woman based upon her grace. Her poise and attitude would be all that mattered in this era. How far would we have gotten if this was the world we live in? No need for boycotts, protests, support groups, or sit ins, but only a need for self love implanted in our children. Our round noses, wide hips, kinks, coils, our curled ends are a masterpiece unappreciated by the community we serve in. And our melanin? A prize given to those who deserve it. Our ancestors suffered greatly before us so we could live peaceful and continue to uplift. But if we reflect, are we amounting to the potential we have been given? We take our liberty for granted because we have not witnessed the real oppression. But, what is real liberty from oppression when justice is still not served? As a black young woman I aspire to inspire. As a future educator, I wish to promote unconventional thinking rather than only “preaching to the choir”. My odds of failure, from birth, was set to be substantially higher but I have made the choice to push through tunnels that only get tighter and I will continuously push to overcome obstacles until the day that I expire. In my past there were days when I became internally tired such as my first and third year of high school where at the time, I felt as though I strolled through the fire. Financial situations were my spark, my innocence was my lighter, motivation was my water and perseverance morphed me into a fighter. I can say that I have changed into a headstrong woman, and even though it took me long to find “her”, I will be much like my both melanized and non graduated mother and father: both unapologetically empowered providers. We do not become our past, our past becomes evident of the strength we unknowingly carry until we must emit all we have and recharge again. We dwell on the past to prevent a harsh future. We must call on our young to show them the right tour of our past and our present to become a bright future because we are more than just ball players and talented "hoopers". We are quick to approach a random minister or preacher to patch up our faults and deal with our misdemeanors. However, we more than likely will fail to acknowledge the people who gave them their soothing power... our teachers. We learn nothing without the push and words of these leaders: our simple numbers, basic letters, and how to become a good reader. Furthermore, our life-long lessons and essential morals stem from our teacher's internal features for, who can shy away from such a quality, valued creature? Though we possess a quantity of intellect from a face unfamiliar to our own features, how much personal connection can dark skinned Keyshawna obtain from caucasian Mr.Beecher? The future of humanity lies within our ability to outstretch love and success. We will be most successful through intellect, self-love, and representation. I aspire to obtain knowledge and connect within a community infused with mirrored images of me. A place where excellence is bolded by shades of copper and decaf where I can be who I want to be. I will continue to show pride in my community and not be weighted and dragged by the threat of supremacy. A promising future within you is what I truly see; an accepting, black empowering society. Hopefully, Arys Lamb