We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I go to Starbucks every day. Yes. You heard me correctly. I go every day. No. I’m not exaggerating. And I don’t care what you think about me spending five dollars a day on coffee even though I scoff at paying ten for a container that would last two months. I’m side eying the hell out of myself for that. So #JudgeYourOwnSelf. When I roll up to the drive-thru as soon as I say good morning; the baristas give a variety of greetings that include my name because they know my voice. They sincerely ask about my day, my family and compliment my hair or eye glasses. I’m like Norm at Cheers only much prettier. I am a friend. I am family.
Imagine my surprise, hurt and anger after hearing the story of Starbucks partners who called the police on two Black men as they waited for a friend last week. I almost said they called the police for no reason, but that would be a lie. They called the police because of racial bias and discrimination. The benefactors of White privilege, systemic racism and oppression called the police. And they called the police because Black people in general, but Black men specifically, have been dehumanized and superhumanly caricatured to the degree that waiting for a friend before spending $5 could cost the ultimate price.
Being Black in America has never not been dangerous for Black folks. Which is ironic, right? Because a large number of White folks are terrified. Even though, historically, it makes more intellectual sense for White folks to be afraid, very afraid of White folks. There is not a single group of people who have not been enslaved, marginalized, tortured, persecuted, oppressed and or exploited by White people— not just in America, but all over the world. And yet, it makes sense to feel terror at the mere thought of what Black folks might do. And how… how could we comprehensively cause you harm when the foundation of this country rests on our backs? We can’t even stand up.
Oh! You think you’re tired of hearing about race. Shit. I’m tired of living it. I want to be Black in peace. I don’t want to be followed in stores, or experience condescension, have my children intentionally isolated or be called “girl” even though I’m a whole lotta woman(Shout out to Kelly Clarkson). I don’t want people to show up at my door, see me and ask for the woman of the house. Because clearly, I’m the housekeeper. #Duh HA! The days I have literally laughed to keep from crying. I thought it was just a saying until I came to be a Black adult navigating in a White power structure.
Listen carefully. This is not a woe is me situation. This is a: FUCK!!!! Racists are trying to take Starbucks from me and I am about to lose my shit because I take my coffee just like I take my racism— every damn day. Am I currently participating in a boycott of Starbucks? No. Just like I’m not currently boycotting my school district which participates daily in discriminatory and racially biased behavior… Another story for another day. My experiences at Starbucks have only contributed to my happy place. Further, I refuse to let a couple of bad apples spoil the bunch. If I did I would live in a closet… ALONE.
At this point I am watching the story unfold. I am waiting to see how Starbucks works to intentionally challenge and eradicate (at least) those publicly held racist ideologies and behaviors shown by the Starbucks partners who thought it appropriate to call law enforcement. Today I am writing to reach the sensibilities and cognitive capabilities of good White folks. The power to change the status quo lies primarily with you. You need to say something. At your dinner tables, at your school board meetings, at the deli counter. You know racists. Your neighbors, family and friends express racially charged sentiments that apologetically end with, “you know what I mean.” Or “I don’t mean it like that. You know I’m not racist.” You must call them out.
The comfort of White people is valued more than the lives of Black people. Calling the police on us could literally equal a death sentence. Imagine that in 2018 calling the police could be tantamount to you calling a lynch mob. Think about that before you engage your perceived right to live a life absent people of color even though your ancestors brought them here. While you are not responsible for that injustice; you are accountable for the way you use the privilege you benefit from as a result.
If the White friend had been there waiting with them the police would never have been called. That is the privilege you need to recognize, own and use to improve this world so we can make it great in the first place. Let’s love each other…. Not just when the music is on and the party is rockin'. Let’s love each other when the party ends abruptly and the kitchen still needs to be cleaned. That’s what America is right now-- A defunct house party with a nasty kitchen and a sink full of dirty dishes.