I’m not sure why people hear something different than what is actually being said.  However, let’s clear the air.

I can say #Blacklivesmatter and that doesn’t mean that other lives don’t matter.  It is a hashtag that acknowledges injustices that are being done in the world right in front of our eyes.  It’s my way of saying that I see things happening in my community that I don’t agree with.  It’s bringing awareness to the obvious and blatant disregard for the lives of black people in America.  Black lives matter means just that, we wouldn’t say it if there wasn’t such a blatant disregard for our lives, if we didn’t see the double standard living before us.

When I say I’m black and proud that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be proud of your race or ethnicity, it just says I’m proud of mine.  Being Pro-Black doesn’t mean Anti-White.  You may not like to hear me talk about, fight against the injustices I witness and experience but your dislike of hearing about can never equal the disdain or despair of me experiencing it.  Until you know what’s it is like to have natural fear of the law because of your color, to feel your heart beat out of your chest when you just think you may encounter the police or that your son may encounter them and not live to tell about; until you sit next to another worker who knows less than you but makes more, until you are called a disrespectful name and dared to stand your ground then you cannot imagine what it feels like to be a Black American.

Every other culture has had the liberty, right to be whomever he or she is without question.  When my hair is natural then I’m not professional, when the subject and verb doesn’t match, then I’m illiterate, if I express myself through my clothing, I stand out UNTIL, a designer copies my style and places his or her name on it then it’s fashion.

While all the above is true, just because you aren’t clear, doesn’t mean we will stop expressing our views.  We’re up, not going back to sleep.

Think about it!  ABOVE ALL LET’S BE CLEAR!