This is a great question and one that I often ponder. As a middle aged African-American woman, I would have to say that yes we are free in a manner of speaking. We're no longer transported like merchandise on ships, we're free to make our own individual decisions, we're free to attend educational institutions and we're free to roam where we may...or are we! However, are we really free... let's explore.

Racism in America is here to stay, that's clear. It perhaps, isn't as blatant as it once was but it's here and quite prevalent in some areas of the country; Jena, Louisiana perhaps!

The issue for African-Americans as I see it now is African-Americans! Why is it that we feel we must buy into everything that comes along. For example, "sagging"! In the many years of my life I don't believe I've seen any style of fashion more disturbing. For one thing, what on earth could possibly make you think that showing your underwear or buttocks in public shows any level of pride or that I desire to see it! Please explain to me the need to express your oneness with folks who are locked up!

A second style that baffles me is the multi-colored hair! I'm all for personal expression, but don't you know that people are looking at you and laughing! I know, you don't care, but realize this; some of the folks that are cringing when they see you are the same ones who have the power to hire you when you visit that place of possible employment and complete that job application.

I love African-American people, and I'm not going to use this forum to "air our dirty laundry" but hear this, if we want "other people" to respect us and acknowledge us we must first do these things amongst ourselves! Let's show that we are truly free not only physically but mentally. Let's continue to attend institutions of higher learning and let's continue to demand equal wages for the same level of education as our counterparts. I personally am tired of talking about uniting, let's begin doing it! If we continue to live in the past, we will always be in mental bondage, it's high time we start living for the future, by lifting each other up; by truly learning our own history and using it to our advantage.

God created us a beautiful people and though there is no pure anything in this country, stop and look at how diverse we are! Absolutely beautiful..the range of our complexions or color (whichever you prefer), this is something to celebrate, not some flaw that should hold us back or keep us bound. We were a prideful and strong people, when our ancestors were thrown on those ships and bound together like common animals; and we've lost that and need to reclaim it. Then and only then, will we "truly be free".

Learn more about this author, Sheryll Bleil.
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