Beautifully Stereotypical
She'll be born into poverty and from one or more parents connected to incarceration.
She'll have a baby out of wedlock and raise her family with government assistance.
Our world is filled with stereotypes that are purely life experiences. We can each be touched by an incident that shapes our world, but “she” is me in this instance.
The pain of knowing this quickly kept me from sharing what I've overcome in my personal life. My story is riddled with the stereotypes that stay with Black and brown families, silencing me so much that there have been moments of shame from circumstances I couldn't control.
These are the harsh realities of many people, but the stereotypes seem to stick with the BIPOC community on a deeper level. Stereotypes continually affect families on a generational level, stretching back to my ancestors that had to bear the cross of slavery. I've had to battle with myself to feel confident enough to share my story, even though I know the stigma attached could change how people view me before I open my mouth.
Media outlets portray our tragedy as who we are, never consciously thinking how the images and story portrayal sent out to millions would affect us in the real world. Most people have their minds made up about me as they read my name on a piece of paper before I walk into the room.
You would never notice my trauma when you meet me. I learned early on to wear a smile and to move past tough conversations with laughter. I hid the things that make me the way I am because I didn't want others to see me in a particular light. But, I had to think through that thought process; why should I be ashamed of whatever I've overcome?
Pause. Overcoming and working through my traumatic childhood is the light I was meant to shine so others can see the way. I released the bondage and turned shame into shine when I shared with those that look like me that "they can and will overcome" the pain of not having the quintessential upbringing.
I now share my voice on many media mediums, and I am proud of myself for not letting my constraints hold me back from helping others truly shine their light. Today, I would like to encourage you to trust the process, have faith in God and share your story no matter what people think of you.