What I Can Do Now That They Couldn't Do Then

Being born in an African country, and now living in America, I'm probably the only Black person left that's ok being called African-American, simply because I am the very literal embodiment of that label. However, I don't pretend to know or understand the full depth of what it means to be African-American or Black in this country. Does that surprise you? 

My knowledge of my own African history, insufficient though it may be, is still much greater than my proficiency in the history of the enslaved Blacks raised in American servitude. You would think that growing up under the American education system would rectify that oversight. You would be wrong. It did not. 

When watching the news or participating in conversations about how far America has come especially since the Civil Rights movement? I honestly have very little to say, and I certainly will not perpetuate a myth that all Black people are experts and scholars of our own history. So, keeping it real, what do I actually know...

I know what I can do now as a Black person in our society that they could not do back then. Side Note: the irony of all this is that you could easily replace "Black" with any other historically marginalized people in America for the purpose of this stream of consciousness...Indigenous, POC, women, LGBTQ, veterans, seniors, homeless, the physically and mentally challenged, and so many more. 

The rights afforded to us over time are essential the measure by which we claim our progress. While this has typically been true, everything about that  feels so wrong, because it acknowledges that we inherently do not even have the power necessary to effect the change we require. That being said, however, here are a few things I personally have been able to do now as a Black person because of the hard won sacrifices of those that came before me:

1) I Grew Up In Integrated Schools

Some of my best friends today are people I met in grade school from different backgrounds and cultures. There are many people who would never have had a Black friend if not for me, and who would then struggle to understand the issues we have been facing.

2) I Can Work Any Job I Want (In Theory)

I'm humbled by the privilege I've had working and consulting for some major companies in the US. Most times I find myself the only Black person in the room and also frequently the youngest person in the room, and yet because of my talent (and not the color of my skin) I have a voice and a seat at the table. I understand this isn't every Black person's experience and that needs to change.

3) I Love My Interracial Marriage (Without Shame)

You can't help who you fall in love with. I can't imagine hiding our love from the world for fear of being jailed or worse. Honestly, there is still a stigma surrounding mixed-race relationships. For all the talk of freedoms when it comes to blended families even Black people lean more toward homogeneity. But, "love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."

4) I Can Own Property (If Only I Can Afford It)

It's not 40-acres and a mule, but home ownership is a vital piece in building and creating generational wealth, a fundamental financial right that the families of Black people have been denied from achieving for centuries. While progress has indeed been made, today there are still many artificial roadblocks targeting minority groups.

5) I Can Become A Citizen (If I Wanted To)

Unpopular Opinion: I value my Ghanaian citizenship more than the option to gain US citizenship. I was proud when my brother applied for his, but with the exception of not being able to vote, and access certain resources, it's enough for me that my Permanent Residence affords me all the same freedoms. Maybe one day I'll change my mind, and that's really the point, I have that option now. It wasn't always the case.

So, some might look at this list and say, "Wow, yea, we've come a long way," and you wouldn't be wrong, but I look at this list and say, "We haven't even started yet." Why? Because if finally granting people the basic human rights everyone else has had for 400+ years is progress, then maybe we are too complacent, culpable, and comforted by our convenient lives...we need more action.

Let me know your thoughts.