We are not OK — racism cannot be ignored
As a black woman, daughter, sister, friend, wife and mother, my heart aches. As a race we wear a mask every day when we leave our homes to interact with the world. You might say “a mask for what”? A mask to protect ourselves so we can go back home with no external and internal scars.
We smile at snide comments or sometimes just smile to disarm others as proof we are harmless. We don’t show the passion we have inside so we are not labeled
“the angry black woman or man.” As soon as our children have a semblance of understanding, we explain and teach how to behave outside of our home. For my children that was at the age of 10 — it was a hard conversation, but they need to come home alive when we send them out in the world.
As a family-medicine physician for the past 15 years, I continue to get the look of disgust from some white patients I treat. I’ve had to answer a myriad of questions to prove that I am qualified to take care of them.
Six months ago a patient told me she would appreciate it when I examine her that my hands didn’t touch her face. To be a lead physician within the healthcare system, I was told “I was not the right fit.” The internal scars are too numerous to mention.
We develop coping skills to tell ourselves we are OK and their behavior does not matter, but
Being a successful physician in America did not protect me from racism and hatred. I understand the topic of racism is polarizing, but it can’t be ignored because it will not go away. Please reach out to your black friends, colleagues, neighbors, physicians, nurses, residents, medical students and other essential employees, ask how are they doing and create a sacred space to just listen because
I am amazed at the profound grace and love I felt over the past week because I had the courage to share my truth. With my head held up high, I survived the hurt. I am committed to use this hurt to give, to connect and influence the change we desperately need to conquer freedom for all.
I thank every single one of you for taking a stand and being committed to be the change agent in your communities. Today I am not angry, I am hurt — and so I pray that anyone who abhors any race is able to see the face of God through his mercy, grace and love.