What Does Election Mean for Black Americans?

In school, you learn of how the world was created and the evolution of mankind but they failed to teach us how to survive as a non-white.

(Disclaimer: This post isn't fully based upon politics but to express the overwhelming emotions I endure living in today's world as an African-American woman.)

We are living on borrowed time and each day is a blessing to say, "living to see a new day while being black in America." I do not see America through rose-colored glasses. Everything is black and white; love and hate. This year has been one for the books since the start of January to the month of November... the month we have all dreaded. I have anticipated the ending of a beginning since the political ads invaded the internet along with the encouragement to vote. Questions arise within leaving me to wonder: if I vote, will I still be black? Will I still have to deal with discrimination because of my skin color? The answer is yes, and yes.

In the political world, they are interested in both race and gender. For example, we ask questions of how many black representatives in politics that can root for us? As I did my research, I learned that in the past 50 years there has been an increase, yet an uneven trajectory of black politics.

(Citations from the link below!)

To sum it up, majority of whites rule the political world and the world outside of that. Is it surprising? Absolutely not. Yet, there are concerns pertaining to the lack of black voters, and their urge for change. Leave the fate of America in the hands of voters and racists. Nothing will change because I will still be black today and tomorrow.

Black and white Americans occupy different worlds. How shocking is that? (Not!) I live in a predominantly white neighborhood located in a Republican state. When the 'Black Lives Matter' movement became globally international during a virus unfolding in the world, my neighborhood became loitered with 'BLM' signs. It was recoiling to see. I felt as though the community felt obligated to be a part of a revolution but to my dismay, it didn't last. Nothing lasts forever except our cries for help, equality, and justice.

Again, if I vote... do I still have to fear being black?

I am not being cynical or intending to discourage anyone, but when will our fight for change begin? It does not start with politics. To nip the widespread socioeconomic issues start by holding those who prolong racism responsible for persisting never-ending inequalities. I shouldn't be afraid to step outside because it is Election Day. I fear that going for a walk in my neighborhood during an intense time will get me hurt or... killed. In hindsight, I wonder, "are we in the Purge?"

My vote counts but how about my life?

I want to end this post with the infamous, "Happy Purging" because my witty humor is telling me to do so but instead, I'll end it with...

VOTE if you're willing to fight for change.