on race.

Every time a racially-based tragedy happens in this country, I wrestle with whether I want to face the issues head-on and accept the impending emotional exhaustion, stress, and depression that come with being a colored person in America, or to cut myself off from such conversations to save my body & mind the torment I seek to avoid daily. There’s never just one breaking point or moment when I make a decision for each situation, but after this year, it’s more clear to me than ever where i stand.

I am a Nigerian-American, I am an African-American, I am a Black American, and I am an American. I’m human. I will never stop fighting for the basic human rights deserved by my friends, my family, me, and the perfect strangers that are dying daily at the hands of the men and women who are meant to be our protectors. Let us not forget that the police should not be our enemies. They are here to protect and to serve. The police serve us.

There is no reason my heart should skip a beat every time I leave my building. There is no reason for me to fear for the lives of my cousins — both older and younger — spread across the country, studying for their educations, and working to build their lives, simply because of our dark complexions.

Our blackness is a gift and our blackness is a burden. I will never turn my back on a fight that is inherently mine alone and ours together.

As a colored person, I don’t need you to tell me that you’re sorry or that you’re here for me. I need you to be here WITH me. Stand next to me and fight for the humanity of other Americans. no matter your color, this is your battle too.

If, in reading this status you find fault in my words or choose to not educate yourself enough to understand my grief, passion, and struggle, then do us both a favor and delete me now. I have no room in my life for negativity, hatred, or willful ignorance. I am so tired, but I will never stop this fight.

(originally posted 2014)