What does it mean to be BLACK?

Before you dial your friend’s number with excitement just to talk about this blog entry, let me make sure we are all on the same page.

This blog is NOT about being black in America, for we all know what it’s like to be black in America( sleeping with one eye close). This piece is about mapping my terrain; it elaborates on the complexity of my origin. Now that I have your attention, I think it’s safe to say- keep reading.

I was born in Saint Marc, Haiti. A commune that is close to the capital, yet far enough to be a village. I’d love to get in details about my village, but I rather spare you the long list. However, I will tell you this, it’s worth visiting. The beautiful trees, tasty food, gorgeous women, and countless beaches that surround Saint Marc are enough to have you fall in love with it. Growing up in Haiti, I never experienced what it was like to be black. Race was never the issue: for race is not a scientifically discrete category or biological fact verifiable by any particular trait. It is a purely social construction, defined by social norm that vary from  time and place. Classism on the other hand, was a constant struggle. The doctor’s daughter was not allowed to marry the seamstress’ son. If one is an engineer, his/her social group should not be compromised by anyone less and so on and so forth. How and when did my skin color became a distress? Not only do I have to deal with classism, I now have to find a racial group to identify with. This didn’t occur to me until my first American experience in Elementary school, however, the concept became clear when I completed my Anthropology class in college. I then realized that being black is a privilege. Simply put, being black resembles a souvenir where the value of it is infinite.

I’ve accepted the very thing that makes me too different to be comprehended- My culture. My caribbean culture is a manifestation of sensuality and spontaneity. It is dancing to the beat of my own drums,  My native tongue sets me apart. It’s the melanin that flows through my veins, my music, my art. It’s Christianity vs. Voodooism-.The rituals, dances, and gods are rare. It’s being a part of the most successful slave rebellion in the western hemisphere. Most importantly, it’s being a part of the first black independent nation in the Americas. My black is HAITI’s History at it’s best.

Now, you can pick up the phone  to call or text your friend and ask him/her What it mean to be black? I’d love to hear your response as well as your friend’s input. Please comment and subscribe for more updates.