The Race Chronicles—Movement 1: Trust

“You can’t trust white people,” went the familiar refrain growing up. It wasn’t said with malice. Rather, it was said with the same matter-of-factness as “look both ways before crossing” or “don’t touch the stovetop.” The implication was “…or you will get hurt.” If anyone could keep up the pretense of caring, it was white people. …

#AliciaAkins

I was inordinately upset the day that my pearl necklace broke. Not just another accessory, this necklace was an amulet, warding off the unpleasant harassment or profiling my other less fortunate black brothers and sisters experienced. Whatever negative snap judgments others might make of me based on the color of my skin would no doubt …

An Overdue Reunion

True story: This summer my black called and wanted to reconnect. “It’s been a while, let’s catch up!” In the beginning—as is often the case when rekindling old, unmaintained relationships—it was a bit awkward. Once we got past small talk, I wasn’t sure where to go next. But my black stuck it out and we …