Happy Everyday Black History!

Racism. We know it. We see it. Many of us experience it. We internalize it. It is so present in our lives, yet it’s often denied.

Racism is often expressed in covert ways. Covert meaning that is disguised...it’s subtle. But the fact that it’s covert does not minimize its effects. It’s still racism. We feel it heavy.

Sometimes, when a person admits to being racist, it allows a small sense of relief for us BIPOC. It gives us a tiny moment of space.

Let me share a personal example.

I recently traveled back to the United States from Denmark. As I went through security, I was pulled aside. This happens every single time. My jaw tightens and my heart races, as I anticipate being dehumanized.

I am always a target of racism and islamophobia, especially when traveling to the US.

But this time when I asked why I had been pulled aside, I was not fed one of the usual lies “It’s random”, “no reason”, the officer told me like it was.

He told me the TRUTH: “It’s because of your last name. It gets flagged”.

My Muslim Arabic last name. He admitted it! So, yes I was absolutely discriminated against, but the oppression was named.

Denying racism, or any form of oppression for that matter can be more detrimental to our well-being than when it is fully acknowledged.

To have someone partake in oppressive behavior and claim that they aren’t racist or xenophobic can be more threatening. Denying oppression denies our experience.

When oppression is named, we can externalize it.

Rather than believing that there is something inherently wrong with our identity, we can realize that the system is set up to make it harder for us.

It allows us to say that we are not bad, the system is bad.

We are not failing, the system is failing us.

This month is dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of those of African heritage. As we recognize the people and events that have had such an impact on the African diaspora, I continually invite you to learn the effects of racism and to challenge it at every turn.

If you are not part of the Black community, ask yourself how do I participate in racism? How can I externalize racism? Support your Black community. Let them know that you’re listening. That you are committed to making change.

To my fellow Black community, remember that you are powerful. Use this month to take some extra time to connect with your roots. To feel into your ancestors. To appreciate what they did to get you where you are and to use that as motivation to fight for the generations to come. Understand how far the community has come because of the work they did, but don’t let that take from the battle still left.

Let’s externalize racism. We are not bad, the system is bad.

Let this month be an opportunity to bask in the beauty of our heritage.

Wishing you much peace.

Nora