THE BLACK SHEEP.

My Black is BEAUTIFUL. My Black is MAGICAL. '

Unfortunately, my Black is unappreciated. My Black is misunderstood.

Just a few weeks ago, I watched Blackkklansman in theaters. It is a great movie that highlights the evils of racism and bigotry, while exposing the sad truths of America.

One concept that was highlighted amongst the movie was the concept of ANTI-BLACKNESS. When I say anti-blackness, I don't just mean racism ( which is undoubtedly an act of anti-blackness) but what I mean is the idea of not loving and appreciating black culture and beauty.

For years, maybe ever since the beginning of time, Blacks have always been teased and forced to believe that they are not beautiful because of their WIDER noses, KINKIER hair, and BIGGER lips, booty, or thighs. But see, doesn't this make us more unique and special? We have succumbed to the white man's system where we must look and act a certain way in hopes that our blackness isn't TOO MUCH for them. As they hate on our physical appearance and culture, they fetishize the BEAUTIFUL and UNIQUE aspects of our race. How ironic, right?

As a result of blindly following those standards and conditions, anti-blackness isn't just a concept that whites embrace; however, POCs have embraced the idea of not being "so black" for the sake of surviving a broken system. I am sure we have all heard a black parent say , "Oh I'm naming my child a "white" name like Jason or Catherine so they could get a job." Now if we really think about that phrase, what exactly is a black or white name? The idea of distinguishing between white and black names creates a divide and reveals an anti-black culture as parents refuse to name their child a "black" name because being "too black" will not get them anywhere. POCs have dissociated from their actual roots to fit a standard created by their oppressors, which I believe only hurts the POC community even more.

Why can't we all embrace each other. Embrace our differences in beauty and culture. Embrace the idea of loving without labels. So as I conclude...

Dear White People, accept us as we are.

Dear Black People, embrace who you are, don't change for anyone! Because-

OUR BLACK IS SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF.