The Land of the Free and the Home of the BRAVE!

I am a Black woman who lives in “The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave,” and I am not feeling so brave....

With the public display for what appears to be hate against Black People, I must admit for the first time in life, I feel afraid.

I was thinking that the attack was on Black boys, then I thought it was on Black men and boys, then I thought that it was Black men, boys, and young girls, but after seeing a guy go into a church and killing nine people and finally seeing Sandra Bland, a college educated African American woman, being thrown on the ground, and later dying, it has finally sunken in that I have a real cause to be afraid.

"The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave!"

I have traveled all over this country, oftentimes by myself, and I have never felt afraid, cautious for sure, but never afraid. I would drive from Michigan to Alabama, without a cell phone, and it never crossed my mind that I could be targeted, because I am Black. I always thought that if anything came up, the police would come to my rescue. Now, I am starting to be believe that maybe I have been quite naive, and maybe I should have been fearful all alone.

Later today I will be flying to Austin, Texas for a conference. I will get to Austin around midnight and will need to take a cab to my hotel, and my people, I am feeling a little afraid.

I am a Black woman traveling alone in the United States, “The land of the Free and the Home of the Brave," and I am wondering if I should call someone at midnight and stay on the phone with that person until I am safely in my hotel.

Sunday, I am renting a car and traveling from Austin to Houston, and my people, I feel afraid. I am going to follow all the rules of the road, including using my turn signal when I change lanes. However, I am wondering if “following all of the rules” will keep me safe and alive.

If I am stopped, and I humbly say “Yes Sir,” will this keep a cop from pulling me out of my car and throwing me to ground.

Must I forget that "I am somebody” in order to stay alive.

I think that being Black in America, whether I am a “Good Negro” or not, makes me very unsafe....

“The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave!”

I am going to fly to Austin, drive to Houston, and just like my ancestors, continue to move forward through the fear....

I’ve been thinking about the words Land of the Free and The Home of the Brave, and all I can do is shake my head!

Where Do We Go From Here!