The Trentonian (Trenton, NJ)

A ‘Crazy-ass N-word’ who ‘wants to be white’? Not

- L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@ Trentonian.com.

Entitled reviews from two neighbors offered ambiguity about my presence.

The first assessment came from a Black man who works for the city’s solid waste team.

He made his comment to a coworker on the back of a garbage truck. The vehicle lurched a block away although distance did not cover his comment.

Never liked the N-word although its use rarely causes severe agitation. Hate when Whites employ the N-word, loathe when Blacks do. And crazy? Man, everybody suffers mental issues. People unwilling to admit mental issues need help.

In fact, Trenton should consider mass audiences for people to discuss the emotional, physical, and psychologi­cal aspects of not only COVID-19 but violence, poverty, etc.

Perhaps, pastors, priests and other religious leaders could deliver guidance to people living on the edge.

An almost daily morning ritual here involves grabbing a rake or broom to collect every wayward piece of garbage in the 100 block of Franklin St.

Several other neighbors have joined the effort, sweeping in front of their homes. Residents have collected every loose leaf as the holiday season arrives.

No offense but no desire exists here for Caucasian membership. Have spent much of my life just attempting to be human.

The young Latina who made the comment had showed up and showed out. Being evicted from her home after a dizzying twoyear stint of disappoint­ing actions including selling drugs, she interrupte­d a conversati­on with a ridiculous comment that never moves my emotional meter.

Oh, Black people, even those who may pass temporaril­y, know our blackness. Society reminds us that historical­ly our color and ethnicity attracts struggle although many rise above roadblocks.

Amazingly, never knew that wanting a clean neighborho­od, championin­g education, growing a garden, going on vacation, enjoying the existence of others, reading, etc. were white attributes.

For the record, white people not even African Americans with desires for status move into Chambersbu­rg.

Made a decision to move into The Burg a decade back. Love living here, especially the diversity.

Never even flinched about her ridiculous rant. By the way, neither the woman nor her boyfriend were on speaking terms with me for nearly two years, not after he had identified me with the N-word.

Big finish. The woman ended her tirade later that day. Watched as she entered her van, collected paper bags, bottles, cans, whatever, and tossed the items into the street near our homes.

No drama here. Grabbed the rake and removed the trash.

Say it loud — I’m Black, clean, and proud.

 ?? TRENTONIAN FILE PHOTO ?? Disappoint­ing when residents adhere to parking regulation­s but street sweeper never shows.
TRENTONIAN FILE PHOTO Disappoint­ing when residents adhere to parking regulation­s but street sweeper never shows.
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