For A Black Boy | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

For A Black Boy

How to stay safe in a really, really scary world.

3
For A Black Boy

Dear Kairee,

I want to start off by saying how much I love you, even though you annoy me and it's your job to annoy me. You balance my life by being my one brother out of four sisters, so I cherish you. I cherish your existence, I cherish our bond, I cherish everything about you. As your older sister, I have also cherish the responsibility to guide and keep you safe. But honestly, in the world we live in now, this is the first time I don't know how to keep you safe and that scares me.

I'm scared because you're growing up in a changing world. You're a 14 year old black boy who looks and sounds like a 21 year old black man. This, unfortunately, makes you a target. I hope and pray that you'll never be seen as target practice. You're more than that. You have so much more of that in you. You're intelligent (a little nerd like me), funny, eccentric, jovial, enthusiastic, eager and a little naive. You see the good in the world, but you're a little blind to the bad. I'm writing this letter to you to expose you that darkness.

First, I want to mention that a population of our country has always been racist, sexist, homophobic, bigots, just plain ignorant. The only difference these days is that under the influence of the "President-Elect," this population of the country have advanced to publicly displaying these aggressions without a care in the world.

I can't promise you that you won't ever encounter these aggressions, but if you ever do there are some things I want you to know.

Don't ever doubt your self-worth. They might make you feel inferior, but I want you to remember that you matter. Your life matters. Your opinion matters.

Think before you respond. If anyone knows about your temper, it would be me. I know how we joke around and I make you mad, you make me mad, but then 5 minutes later we're playing videogames together. People won't care about your feelings, bro. They want to provoke you. Don't be intimidated. Count to 10 before you react. Don't give in to them because you're better than them.

Lastly, don't ever feel defeated. Be vigilante and ready for anything. Be observant of your surroundings. I can't be with you all the time so this is my way of ensuring your safety. It's okay be scared, but always have control of yourself. Love yourself. Never harbor hatred for anyone. Love trumps hate. I love you bro.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191113
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15378
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458220
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26803
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments