Being a Black Immigrant in America

The black immigrant experience in the U.S. must be understood not in contrast to the African American experience but as an integral part of it.

- Opal Tometi

As a non-white immigrant in America

I face racial prejudice on a daily basis...

Talking about race isn't a personal attack on white people...it's simply a start to a larger conversation..

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10 Times I experienced racial bias in 2019...

• I was a hotel guest, grabbing breakfast with my white colleague standing right next to me and still, a white lady mistook me for a janitor..(in real life)

• I was getting groceries at Walmart, and a white lady assumed I worked in the grocery store because "my cart was so full" (no jokes)

• I was leaving a hotel in an uber, and the white uber driver asked me if I worked in the hotel, because ‘only rich people stay there’ (you don't say)

• I was blocked from entering the TSA pre-check line, because the white lady wanted to clarify that I was getting in the ‘right’ line (How thoughtful)

• I've been asked 'Do you work here' more than 20+ times in clothing establishments. (Probably why I became a minimalist)

• I was asked by a white lady to help her reach the salad dressing on the top shelf because (and I quote) 'You guys have such long arms' (...that's a strange thing to say Becky)

• A white man told me I sounded so....educated (As opposed to?)

• A server at a fine dining restaurant assumed I was there for a special occasion. (No occasion, just felt like a steak)

• A white man told me I must feel lucky to live in a country as advanced as America (That one’s debatable)

• An upset event attendee demanded I get her my manager (Dang sis..you’re asking me..for me)

Truth is, it doesn't matter how educated you sound, or how well you dress. It doesn't matter what job title you have, or your socio economic status. Racial bias sees...color. You can’t outrun your skin tone, or eradicate your blackness. Everyday racism is less about racists & more about racist practice, a.k.a racism as common societal behavior. Being black in America is an on-going experience. Being an immigrant isn’t any easier. I get it. It’s not a fun dinner conversation, or a raving topic at Sunday Brunch. Its not #BottomLessMimosas vs #BlackLivesMatter. My white friends don't have to apologize for being white. Neither is conversations about racial bias an attack on all white people.

It’s just a reminder, that even your black friend, the one that tries not to bring up race, in hopes of not making you uncomfortable, or shifting the dinner dynamic, even that friend, experiences elements of this same bias. For some it's occasional BUT for some it's an everyday reality.

Simply imagine what a life like that might feel like.

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