2016 has been an interesting year for me. It was far better than the other few years before. It was full of untapped potential. That is probably the most annoyingly noteworthy thought about 2016: the amount of greatness afforded to me that I did not use. Even though there have been moments of frustration and wasted chances-as well as wasted resources, (time, energy, mental space, and money), there have also been milestones and life-changing events to take place. I’m grateful for that.
This year I learned a lot about myself as well as a lot of lessons. I took writing in my journal to another level and the results were amazing.
My post wouldn’t follow the pattern if I did not lace it with transparency. I am greatly disturbed by the election as well as the results. It’s not so much that I am concerned with the violence and “racism” that may occur as some predict. If we allow truth to further prevail there has always been an uncanny way about our government and politics. I honestly don’t want to make this a “race thing” but let’s skip down our country’s timeline: there was slavery, American-based concentration camps, Jim Crow, the infiltration and destruction of Black leaders, terrorist groups trained by the US government, school-to-prison pipelines, the list continues. Television has a way of distorting reality; it makes us believe that what we see “live” is real-time when there are some conspiracies and actions that were in the makings behind the scenes before the media is ever involved. Our government has some mess with them. Do I want to “go back to Africa?” Heck no; but let’s face the facts.
May 31, 2016, will be a day that two worlds collide. I tried to keep them apart as long as I could but this moment was imminent. The fact that there will be no casualties is a bonus, but it doesn't make me any less anxious. On May 31, 2016, my first book entitled "Beauty for Ashes: The Introduction" will be released. I use the phrase "two worlds collide" because it means my world of semi-introversion will collide with the world of others: family, friends, colleagues, consumers-everyone. Quite a few people ask me what I like to do "after hours;" my response is always the same: "writing and sharing poetry." This project will allow people into my journey, one that was well guarded. Make no mistake, my book is not a "tell all" but, it shares my thoughts, my heart, life's lessons of tough love, my observations, and plenty more. I've gone through multiple cycles of giving myself the third degree: "Am I ready?" "Am I dope enough?" Of course, the "What if's" have a series of their own.
You’re such a sweetheart… I wish you would allow more people to see it. Imagine how different things would be if people knew how much you laugh and joke behind closed doors and circles! Sometimes life has a way of hitting hard. Don’t lose that smile. Don’t lose the life in your eyes. We both know that parents don’t know everything, but they know a great deal. Listen to them. It will keep you out of harm’s way. It’s imperative that you get to know and accept yourself as soon as you can.
It's impossible to dig into this post without revisiting the ugly scars of slavery; the primary concept in this context is Willie Lynchism. For those who are unfamiliar, Willie Lynch constructed a letter to other slave owners that provided insight to ensure division among the slaves by using their complexions, hair texture, and other factors. This may have been one of the most influential implementations as it is a form of slavery that continues to exist. There's nothing wrong with preference. However, there is something wrong when a person's physical appearance causes personal bias. I have dark skin. Throughout my 30 years, I have experienced the transition from being a "dark-skinned girl" to "being cute for a dark-skinned girl." Now, being "cute" for a dark-skinned girl is a much more pleasant experience than just being dark-skinned. Frankly, some other complexions make it seem as if being dark-skinned is a curse or misfortune. Neither of which is so.
