As the coronavirus continues to spread across America, we have seen the devastating impact this virus is having on Black communities. Without fail in most, if not all states, Black people continue to be disproportionately affected by this virus. While some would like to point to the lifestyle choices of Black people, what is often left out of the conversation is the centuries of marginalization, oppression, and predatory policies that have collectively impacted the health of Black people.
So, when I saw that some governors were reopening their states, I made a Twitter post that stated, “To all the Black people in the states opening up this week, ignore these idiots, and stay your ass at home.”
To all the Black people in the states opening up this week, ignore these idiots, and stay your ass at home.
— Hannah Drake (@HannahDrake628) April 21, 2020
And without fail, (because that train is never late) a White person or non-Black person, jumps into my feed with their “what about us” stance stating, “All people stay inside,” or “What about the White and Brown people. Are you racist?” (When is pointing out something to Black people racist? God, help me. The ignorance.)
I said exactly what I meant to say. Black people are not having the same pandemic experience. It is imperative for us to stay indoors.
— Hannah Drake (@HannahDrake628) April 21, 2020
I said what I said. You can make your own post and say what you want to say on your feed. See how that works.
— Hannah Drake (@HannahDrake628) April 27, 2020
Let me be clear in the Year of Corona since this seems like a difficult concept for some people to comprehend, when I say Black, I mean Black. You will NEVER have to wonder, “Does Hannah mean all people?” The answer is an unequivocal no. If I meant all people, I would have said all people. I said EXACTLY what I meant to say. I do not need any White person (or non-Black person) to come behind me attempting (and failing) to correct my language.
The problem for many White people is that they cannot imagine a world where they are not the center. They cannot imagine a space, even online, that does not include them. White people have always been upheld as the standard, and to not be included in something feels like an insult to them.
Newsflash, this world has NEVER centered Black people and I and many others see it as part of our job to make sure we help uplift, educate, support, encourage, and celebrate Black people. I will not be changing my language to make you feel better. I say what I mean, and I mean what I say. There are some messages that are not designed for you. They are By Black People, For Black People.
And I know when the world REVOLVES around you, you feel some type of way when a statement isn’t about you but it is okay. Breathe through it. You will be alright if something does not center you.
The next time a Black person makes a statement about Black people, before you jump in with your “what about ALL…” statement, pause and follow these two essential steps:
- Ask yourself, “Why do I feel compelled to make this statement about me or center all people when a Black person is making the statement specifically for Black people?”
- STFU
Thank you.
Additional Readings
Please Stop Referring To Me As A Person of Color. I Am Black.
To The “Not All” Posse, PLEASE, STFU!
DWP, For the Millionth Time, I Am Not Racist
Fear Of Black Excellence (#BlackExcellenceChallenge)
Dear White Allies, There Will Be No Cookies