Who’s American? Black Folks are American!

 

My country, ’tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From ev’ry mountainside
Let freedom ring!

Ronda Watson Barber

Racism is alive and well in the United States. We are experiencing, many “I never thought I would hear the president say” moments. Every statement surprisingly gets viler than the one before. How offensive and unAmerican to tell Black women and women of color to go back where they came from, particularly when it comes from the president, simply because they have opposing views. Some of our fellow citizens are working overtime to disenfranchise. Black folks are American. We expect and want full citizenship. Contrary to what some believe, the Constitution applies to Black folks as well.

The beauty of our country is being able to have an opinion and more importantly the right to freely express it. Forcing others to comply with your values or views isn’t freedom, it’s slavery. We are as full citizens as anyone else. Our patriotism can’t be defined or mandated by others.

As the descendant of slaves (I can go back seven generations of my family being born in this country); the granddaughter/great-niece of soldiers who fought in WWII, came home and couldn’t vote or eat at a lunch counter, and the mom of an active duty military member, I AM AN AMERICAN CITIZEN. I value my rights and take them seriously! I love my country enough to work to make it a more perfect union that includes calling out BS and injustices.

There is so much going on in our country that we need to lend our voices and support. The fight on. Kids are in cages. Families are being separated. People are being detained in horrible inhumane conditions. Voting rights are being suppressed. There is an attack on womens’ healthcare. A small minority is imposing their views and values on the majority. I continue to say our votes and dollars have power.

Just my thoughts… rwb

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