By Tia Miller
Contributing Writer
A while ago, I came across this quote:
"In the 19th century, we received our physical freedom; in the 20th century, we received our economic freedom; in the 21st century, we should fight for our psychological freedom."
With the high volume of crime in our black communities, those words hit home. It used to be the Ku Klux Klan was running around in white sheets, murdering black folks for no reason. But women like Ida B. Wells fought to pass laws that would outlaw the Klan, and rallies were held constantly, demanding change in the constitution.
Nowadays, many people who are committing crimes on blacks are, sadly, other black people. Isn't there something wrong with that? Why is a black man considered lucky if he lives to see his 25th birthday? I believe we as a black race living in America today are suffering from a mental form of slavery. White supremacy has left its ugly mark on us, and that hatred against blacks is in us. But that hatred shouldn't translate into fighting, especially amongst ourselves. Given all the crimes committed against blacks, it doesn't make sense for us to be shooting each other. There's something wrong when our neighborhoods are referred to as "Concrete Jungles."
We now have the opportunity to go to college, but every time I go back to my hometown of Cincinnati, I see the same people standing on the street corners. What are they waiting for? There are many opportunities to provide a better life, but it appears as if they're missing the boat.
Additionally, I think the evil lie of "black is ugly and bad" has become embedded into us over time. If you told an African-American that they looked like an African, they'd feel insulted and want to fight you. When I decided to let my hair be natural, I was called "Mobutu" and "Umfoofoo," like nappy hair is something we should be ashamed of. And why are mahogany-skinned folks called "blackie" and "darkie?" Is there a problem with being dark-skinned? I don't think so.
We as blacks can't demand respect from other races until we begin to love and respect ourselves.
Tia Miller, a sophomore, is a double major in English and African-American Studies.