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

Having White Friends as Allies

To my darling girls,

Some of my White Facebook friends ask what they can do to assist in the struggle for racial equality and justice. 

This is what I tell them:

• Call out your racist family members and friends when they spew their hatred

• Expose your racist social media friends and use screen shots to make their racist posts go viral

• Make your friends of color aware of the racists in their circle (many racists find it easy to “skin and grin” with people of color; let us know who they are)

• Advocate for people of color at work

  
  

If your White friends are not willing to advocate for you and other people of color, you have no business being friends with them. What would be the point?

Much love to you,

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