Author’s note: It is sad and frustrating and painful that this article is still so relevant. That the list of Black men and women who have died each year at the hands of police and systemic racism keeps growing. But we will continue to share as many mindful articles as we can, because the first step in making any kind of change is to become aware and educated. ~ Nicole, Eleditor
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On the death of Tyre Nichols:
“Two Americas.” {Cartoon re Police Violence + US} Plus, a list of some real Solutions.
What the F*ck is Wrong with People?
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“Just because we’re magic doesn’t mean we’re not real.” ~ Jesse Williams
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At first glance, most people don’t know what I am.

My skin is the color of brown sugar, sometimes light, sometimes dark, depending on the season. My dark hair is somewhere between curly and wavy, perfectly straight if I want a change. My thin, bumpy nose tends to confuse my ethnicity further. Even my name throws people off.

But make no mistake about it: I’m Black.

I’ve had friends, family members, teachers, employers, and even strangers on the street question my Blackness (“You don’t look Black! But you’re not Black Black, right?). But I am still, in fact, Black.

Which is why I was equal parts inspired and empowered when I saw the video of Jesse Williams’ acceptance speech at last night’s BET Awards. While most people know Williams as Doctor Jackson Avery on Grey’s Anatomy, he is also an outspoken and passionate supporter of Black Lives Matter.

Williams received the Humanitarian Award for his activism and used the moment to deliver a beyond powerful speech about police brutality, cultural appropriation and race in this country. He spoke the names of those who have died in this country because of their skin color, because their existence is deemed less-than. People like Sandra Bland, Eric Garner and Tamir Rice. He spoke our truth as a minority group in a country that sees us as dangerous and ungrateful simply because we are fighting—still fighting—for equal rights.

Not better rights, not more rights—equal rights.

I could comment line by line on how right, how poignant, how insightful his speech was, but all I can think is, “Damn!”

I wish I could find the proper adjectives to describe his words and how they hit me, but all I can say is I was moved.

No lie, this video got me out of bed this morning.

Author: Nicole Cameron

Image: DryHundredFear/Flickr

Editor: Renée Picard