I am an African American Male who grew up in the Upper Middle Class in a predominantly white community.

I have two degrees from a Big Ten University.

Didn’t have a sip of alcohol until I was 24.

I never smoked or did illegal drugs.

But, none of that matters. (1/6)

While traveling back from Arkansas for business I took an Uber from my Hotel to the airport.

The Uber Driver was a White male, late 20’s. I was in my early 20’s at the time.

We started up a conversation about where I am from, why was I here etc.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Until, he stops what he’s saying.

Looks at me, and says.

“How do you talk so good?”

Obviously, I was a bit perplexed at his question.

He goes on and says


“People who look like you don’t talk like that where I am from.”

No, I didn’t get mad and tell him to pull the car over. 


Or

Begin a shouting match.

I listened.

This man simply thought I was a Unicorn.

A one of a kind, lore-like Human.

Just because:

I didn’t sound “Black”

This man did not know that there are:

Doctors, Lawyers, Astronauts, Scientists, etc. who share a similar pigment to me.

To him, we were perception of what society made us to be.

This is a systemic issue that will not change overnight.

This latest event is unfortunately not the first, nor the last time someone loses their life due to the color of their skin.

How do we help break this cycle?

Listen - Understand - Discuss - Take meaningful action