Let’s Talk About the N-Word

Dear girls,

Some White people actually try to justify the behavior of racists by saying that some Black folks call each other the N-word and therefore White people should be able to say it.

It is not White people’s business what Black people call each other. White people cannot use the N-word – period. If they do not know why, then they are truly sick in the head. If they still do not know why, they need to Google it.

I have a White friend who often calls other White people “poor White trash.” She uses this phrase when describing any type of White person – rich, poor, middle-class, short, tall, overweight, skinny, etc. She has been doing it for years. When she calls HER people that phrase, I NEVER chime in and use the phrase with her. I know better. She has never had to say to me, “Linnie, I can use that phrase, but you can’t.” Again, I know better, because I am intelligent, respectful, savvy, aware and empathetic. The fact that some White people do not know better – or pretend to not know better – is disturbing. 

And for the record, no one is ever allowed to call me the N-word – not Black people, White people or Smurfs. No one! 

NEVER allow anyone to call you the N-word. Never. No one.

Love, Hugs and Kisses,

Your Auntie

Our Reality as Black People

Dear girls,

Our reality as Black people is that we must constantly remember what to do if we are ever pulled over by the police.

I repeat the reminders over and over again to your uncle and will do so daily for the rest of my life if I have to. 

Typically, I am fearless. However, the thought of someone hunting, hurting and/or killing my loved ones and friends brings me to my knees. The anger, sorrow and pain that I feel are indescribable. 

I am sharing this information with you to educate you – not to scare you. It makes me sad that Black people need to have these conversations with their loved ones. White people do not have to engage in these types of discussions with their White loved ones.

I love you for life.

Your Auntie

Harsh Realities of the U.S. Legal System

Dear sweet girls,

There are some hard facts you need to know about the U.S. legal system:

1. Our legal system manages to prosecute African-Americans all the time – even with little evidence. That is why, on a daily basis, we hear about wrongly-convicted African-Americans being released from prison.

2. However, some White people manage to commit crimes (especially murder) against African-Americans on a regular basis and never serve a day in jail – even when there is irrefutable evidence.

3. Black people do not expect to get a pass. When we commit crimes, we expect to suffer the consequences. However, we also expect White people to suffer the SAME consequences when they commit the same crimes. 

4. This is why some Black people cheered when OJ Simpson was found not guilty during the murder trial. If White people are not outraged when White people commit crimes against Black people and get away with them, then White people should not be outraged when Black people commit crimes against White people and get away with them. I do not condone murder. However, it is my moral obligation to point out the hypocrisy and double standard.

   
   

You are loved more than I could ever express.

Love,

Auntie