For as long as I can remember, the weight of my skin’s melanin has felt like an enormous burden. Being Black in America is incredibly heavy.
I’ve experienced this weight through countless encounters—each time I’ve been pulled over for a “routine check,” every instance of a security guard tailing me in a store, and during moments when I’ve been the only person of color in a corporate setting, a feeling that grows heavier when you’re in leadership. This heaviness is ever-present during job interviews, housing searches, and even in romantic relationships.
The impact of systemic racism extends beyond the individual to the collective. I feel the sorrow of knowing, long before any verdicts are handed down, that justice will not be served for names like Trayvon Martin, Erica Garner, Tamir Rice, or Sandra Bland. These names linger in the air, reminders of the injustices we face. Each time I witness the public’s reaction to Colin Kaepernick‘s peaceful protest, or see law enforcement respond with force during peaceful demonstrations, I feel the weight deepen. The disparity between the sudden wealth generated from legalized marijuana and the incarceration of Black men for minor offenses amplifies this burden. Every casual act of racism, from the nooses left as “jokes” to the derogatory slurs, serves to undermine Black achievement and contributions in every sphere of life.
This weight permeates our culture as well. It’s felt in our culinary traditions, woven into the fabric of our poetry, and echoed through our music—from jazz to hip-hop. The struggle is a constant theme. Despite the gifts one may possess, the harsh reality is that success often hinges on the decisions of others, a reality that extends back to when Branch Rickey gave Jackie Robinson a chance to shine in the 1955 World Series. The threat of cultural appropriation looms large, with Black innovations often being co-opted by those who fail to acknowledge their origins.
Moreover, the health disparities affecting people of color, such as diabetes and hypertension, stem not from genetics but from a lifetime of stress and socio-economic challenges. The collective weight of Blackness has the power to shift tides.
Learning to embrace one’s Black identity can be a challenging journey, starting from a young age. Like many Black children, I grew up singing “The Greatest Love of All” without fully grasping its significance. As an adult, I recognize that the song instills a vital sense of pride, one that is essential to navigating a world riddled with prejudice. Every act of mockery directed at our features, intelligence, or work ethic is a reminder of the systemic barriers we face. Unfortunately, no amount of personal pride can make these challenges disappear. You can grow stronger and more astute, but the obstacles remain; your only option is to rise above them.
Thanks to the efforts of artists like Leo Johnson, we now celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday, reflecting on the struggles of Black heroes and innovators who have been overlooked by history. On this day, we often see the most inspiring parts of Dr. King’s speeches highlighted, even as we brace ourselves for the inevitable racist incidents that accompany this significant date—a reminder of the reality that he faced.
Today, I choose to celebrate my Black identity fully. I will turn up the volume on my favorite songs, dance freely, and bask in the warmth of the sun on my skin, protected by melanin—a legacy from my ancestors. I will immerse myself in a culture rich enough to withstand centuries of oppression. I refuse to be weighed down by others’ expectations based solely on the color of my skin. In honoring Dr. King’s memory, I will reshape my perspective: instead of feeling the burden of struggle, I will strive to feel lighter than air, defying the odds like a graceful leap.
In conclusion, embracing the complexity of Blackness in America is a journey filled with challenges, joy, and resilience. It is about acknowledging the weight while also choosing to rise above it, celebrating our identity and heritage in the process. For those looking to explore more about personal journeys and family dynamics, resources like Modern Family Blog offer great insights. Additionally, if you’re interested in topics surrounding pregnancy or home insemination, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and Fertility Preservation is an excellent resource. And for those considering starting a family, check out the BabyMaker at Home Insemination Kit for more information.