Most Black people will hear this question at least once — why are you pulling the race card? White people using this lingo think racism is a game. And, perhaps it is to them, but not for Black people. Racism is not a stacked deck that benefits Black people; it’s an obstacle.

Nothing is amusing or beneficial about a white merchant racially profiling you as you shop. Blackness isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card either. Black women face police brutality more than their white, Asian, or Latina counterparts. Some white people complain when they feel law enforcement treats them like Black people. Black school girls are more likely to get kicked out of school for their natural hairstyles or “perceived aggression.” After a quick search on our Federal Government’s website, you will find countless articles describing systemic racism. Does this sound like a card you want in your deck? …

The term racist makes white people feel uncomfortable. They clutch their pearls — “not me.” Believe it or not, Black people do not enjoy calling white people racist, nor do we throw the term around lightly. Too many white people dismiss Black anguish and instead participate in a series of mental backflips. Most would never admit that they treat people differently based on their race. Some claimed they don’t have a racist bone anywhere in their body. However, them saying so does not make it true.

Throughout my life, I did not always speak up when experiencing microaggressions. I will be honest — I felt afraid. White supremacy was present before they uttered a single word. I could not call a white police officer, supervisor, manager, teacher, or employer racist. White people in these roles had more power than me; they could hurt me physically, socially, or financially. I was powerless to call them out and I knew it would not change their behaviors. …

Antiracism is an upside-down cake. Even though America dropped the original social contract with Black people on the kitchen floor, the recipe requires that we pick it up, flip it, and salvage it. There is just one problem — white people would have to take the initiative and pick it up. Many white people insist that mentioning the upside-down cake is more problematic than leaving it on the floor. They call Black people divisive for merely bringing up the pink elephant in the room.

We can see white-privilege through the positive advances white people receive, like access to well-funded schools and higher-paying jobs. However, we can also see white privilege in the things white people do not have to endure, the things their skin color saves them from — racial discrimination and systemic oppression. …

Men feel a little too comfortable calling Black women gold diggers. While they often offer an excuse, it always involves a common element — the woman committed the grave sin of wanting something. Then, the misogynoiristic flood gates open. American culture created dangerous stereotypes about Black women. She is either sassy, angry, or hyper-sexual. Oh, and also, she has hulk-level strength; she can endure anything. All of these tropes dehumanize Black women.

Many Black women get caught up trying to disprove each trope, stuffing themselves into boxes. Worse, even, Black men often attempt to tone police Black women’s behaviors. She cannot get upset because then she is an angry Black woman. …

Next month, Black people from all over the diaspora will come together to celebrate Black History Month. We should take in all of the lessons, positive messages, and unity associated with this tradition. Let’s build on this principle of community.

We created a writers group for Black writers and writers of color on Medium. Using this group, we meet to share tips and tricks, and discuss our perspectives and experiences. Everyone is welcome.

I, along with Tee, Conscious Creative and Adrienne Samuels Gibbs moderate a weekly meeting on Clubhouse. This new app allows users to attend using only their voices. Right now, the app remains in its beta version, for iphone and ipads only. However, to ensure all writers and editors of color have access to the gems we share, we also host recaps using ZOOM. Please read the flyer below for more information on the next recap. …

Sure, I’ll take a slice

purple sprinkles with icing

Is that a baby?

For those not familiar with New Orleans traditions, allow me to explain. Mardi Gras season comes but once a year, and with it comes food, friends, and parades. Each week, someone brings a King Cake. As each person enjoys their slice, someone will find a small, plastic baby inside. I got the baby for the first time in my first grade class. Whoever holds the portion with the baby must bring the cake next time. …

Long after the Civil War, Southerners constructed statues paying homage to the Confederacy and its army. Black Americans saw this violence coming on the horizon. Southerners built Confederate idols to terrorize Black people, asserting white supremacy long after the conflict. They swung their flag — the Confederate Flag to assert their dominance. However, white Americans could not see the writing on the wall — apathy became their greatest downfall. Only once they see the Confederacy as the threat that Black people see can we ensure that the South never rises again.

Some call the incident we witnessed on January 6th a riot, an insurrection, an attempted coup, or an act of war. And, what people call the incident tells so much about how they view American history. For many conservatives, it was a riot — a protest that got a little out of hand. They try to treat the incident as a one-off because this narrative benefits their movement. …