Today I turned 21, but I’m not sure it’s a cause to celebrate. Although I’m now a legal adult, I still don’t feel like I’m on equal footing with the white people around me. I’ve grown up in the south in a time of racial prejudice and inequality, and I’m aware of the limitations that have been placed on me because of the color of my skin.
I was born in 1899, just after the Civil War. Growing up, I heard stories of the horrors of slavery and the struggles to gain freedom and obtain civil rights. My ancestors were slaves and I was born free, but I still face discrimination and segregation. I’ve been denied the right to vote and I’m not allowed to attend the same schools as white children. I’m not even allowed to sit in the same sections of restaurants and movie theaters.
I can’t help but wonder what life would be like if I was white. Would I be able to go to college? Would I be allowed to vote? Would I be able to get a job in a field I’m passionate about? It’s hard to imagine what life could be like if I wasn’t constantly held back because of the color of my skin.
I’m trying to stay hopeful that things will get better. I’ve heard about the NAACP and other organizations that are fighting for civil rights, and I’m hopeful that one day I’ll be able to experience true equality. Until then, I’ll continue to stand up for what I believe in and fight for the rights that I’m entitled to.