The Multiple Sides of Me
“Picture us cooling out on the Fourth of July
And if you heard we were celebrating, that’s a worldwide lie”
(Louder than a Bomb, Chuck D of Public Enemy)
Growing up I remember the Fourth of July as a time to watch my Aunts and Uncles shoot fireworks and wishing I was old enough to get more than a sparkler. It was the possibility of my parents taking us to Atlanta for a quick vacation getaway with Six Flags being the headlining event. That day I knew that someone would be grilling and I had hopes of getting a hamburger instead of a hot dog. But I never recalled us celebrating the Fourth of July as Independence Day.
When I was older and starting to become “woke.” I started understanding history and realized that when the Declaration of Independence was signed and this nation was becoming a sovereign nation, my people were not included in that Independence. In 2020 we still have a long way to go “ to form a more perfect union.”
As I became more aware of History in general but My-story in particular, I learned about Juneteenth. I have to admit (I lower my head in shame) this was my first year truly celebrating Juneteenth. Why now? With the current state of the United States, I feel it is necessary for me to live my truth out loud and celebrate my heritage so it is not forgotten. Is it a Fourth of July vs Juneteenth? I don’t believe it has to be. For me it represents the duality/reality of being Black in America.
My Duality (A List but not the Complete List)
- I grew up listening to Soul Music,Country Music and 80’s Rock n Roll but my spirit was awaken when I first heard Hip-Hop. So I feel comfortable singing Sweet Home Alabama, Man eater, You Dropped the Bomb on Me and My Philosophy.
- In high school, I wished that Raven would stop saying Never More, but did not find out until later in life Why the Caged Bird Sings.
- I reread Walter Mosley while waiting for his new book to arrive, like English teachers read Shakespeare year after year after year.
- I cheer for everyone Black and give them the benefit of the doubt, and hold us to a standard of Excellence.
- When I hear “Damn, Damn, Damn,” I feel sadness for the Evans family; when I hear “Serenity Now” I laugh out laugh and feel George Constanza’s shame.
- I have dressed in a slacks and a polo to fit in on the job, but still prefer Timberlands and hoodies.
- I have never watched an episode of Friends, but I imagine it could have similar drama to Living Single or Martin.
- I speak the “King’s English”, Country Grammar and Urban Vernacular so know that sometimes I say ain’t, finna and an occasional conversate. Speaking multiple languages is tough on the brain!
- I love everything Marvel and StarWars and most everything Spike Lee, even the signature SPIKE LEE moments that happen in everyone of his joints.
- I prefer BLACK over African American because I feel it connects me with world wide community but I understand all Black People are unique.
Although I might be your only Black Heterosexual Male Married Father College Educated Never Been to Jail Living in the Suburbs Coach Educator Man Friend. I do not represent every Black person on the planet. We are unique like that.
So I love the Duality of Being Black in America but we have a long way to go before this country and its people can say they recognize “All Men are Created Equal.”
