Friday Reflection: August 7, 2020 - Public Service Announcement: BLACK

"Jay-Z is overrated." Back in my young days, I secretly held this belief, but I listened to his music anyway. I like the beats, mainly. Now that I permitted myself to "Not give AF," meaning I'm not required to have an opinion about everything, I free myself of the need to judge everything. For this verse, borrowed heavily from the interlude on Jay-Z's 2003 black album. I played it on repeat, absorbing the flow. Overrated or not, I can see the genius of Jay-Z and respect his authenticity in the verses. Something I missed in my young days because I didn't want to believe the hype and criticized his materialism in his verses. Being real is overlooked when the real you are looking for is missing. In being real with myself, this verse is more aggressive than I imagine. I swear I am a positive dude who focuses on the positive possibilities in my day today. I don't complain too much and probably put too much pressure on myself to be optimistic when I'm depressed. But I'm also honest, and there are pain and injury that requires healing. I'm used to "healing" in isolation, dealing with the daily drama and traumas of racism (Yes. Race. Again.). After the protest, I imagine most people who identify as white will expect a resolution to the discontent soon. After the protest, they will want to recognize our common humanity and rush to experience harmony with people who identify as black. This verse speaks to my hesitation to let my guard down, becoming less vigilant of racism (Yes. Race. Again.). Being real starts being real with myself. As much as I want to experience connection, belonging, and acceptance when I'm in the presence of people who identify as white, I have to be truthful about the harm of this racial caste system on my sense of self. Enjoy the Episode. Black,  B-L-A to the C-K They use to hang the noose watch the body sway Now they stand and March for a new way To come together but before we go there let's Check the Karen scans and call out their liars Check payment plans before black card expires Need that cash in hand for them looting fires Need that black wall street before praise,  admire Black. Now act like you loved that Give Black friend that hug and say I got your back Keep them close, hearts and minds, as your dough stacks Leave them far behind  the chasm of the wealth gap Facts. Speak no cap. Too many toe tags black had to go Nat Turner Your luck it just furniture Flames on the street, not burning ya bruh .... ask who gets trust first without funds disperse with nothing to prove .... they watch the cool walks detain with no thought of something to prove Distrust default of police brutality Don't expect a new reality, magically cause when the profile matches it's an act of faith they swipe in to beat it up like tender dates