My Life Matters - Adriana's Story

Hi,

My name is Adriana.

I am a young biracial woman living in America. I have two degrees, work two jobs, and pay my own bills. I am somewhat of a model citizen, minus a few speeding tickets. I love sports, almost anything outdoors, food, and history. I vote every chance I get and file my taxes every year. I never turn down a good drink accompanied with a great conversation. I am a strong, independent, and opinionated American who does not back down from a challenge. I’m not violent. I have never been arrested. I cry when I’m frustrated. I do not scream at people out of anger. My face talks before my mouth does. The love and loyalty I have for my friends, family, and Lord is everlasting. I come from a good family with an African American father, a Mexican American mother, an older sister, and a dog. I grew up being taught that the word “hate” was never an acceptable word to use, no matter the circumstance. With that being said, why do people in America hate me?

Why do they hate people that look like me?

They don’t even know me.

They don’t know others who look like me.

Yet America assumed since we all look alike that we also act alike. So I thought I’d introduce myself so you, my social media friends, can actually get to know me.

As a minority, I have dealt racism from my own community. I have been called repulsive and demeaning names, I have been followed around in stores by white employees and customers, I have been stared at in public when I’m holding hands with a man who’s of a different race, and I have been told countless times that I don’t sound black nor does my name sound black. I should not be afraid of walking to my car by myself, exercising outside, being out in public by myself or living on my own. I love my independence and freedom but does that mean I have to live in fear because of the color of my skin? Why are racism and white supremacy still a thing? Why can’t my government denounce racism and white supremacy?

I AM SICK OF IT!!

This needs to stop NOW! I will never back down or keep my mouth shut about racism because it makes white people uncomfortable. I respect my fellow Americans to have and formulate their own opinions but I will not tolerate racist and sexist ones. What is happening in our country is embarrassing. We are suppose to be the BEST country in the world yet we can’t even unite during a world crisis. We are disgracing every civil rights leader and activist who fought and died for equality. Yes all lives matter but right now the lives of our black communities across the nation need some extra love, attention, and mercy.

The change we need will not be done by posting memes of what is wrong with our society, not by looting, burning, rioting, and destroying our communities, nor by getting into fights on social media.

We need to learn how to love one another again despite our flaws and differences.

We need to call out the racists and the oppressors.

We need to stop the hate speech.

We need to learn how to listen to our friends and loved ones who are black.

We need to contact our elected officials about our concerns.

Isn’t that why we voted them into office so they can be our voice in government? We need to get out there and vote. If you don’t like who is representing you in government then I better see your ass at the polls this election year. If you don’t wanna do it for yourself, do it for the next generation of Americans, for your neighbors who are black, or even your black coworkers.

So stop being silent and stop being selfish.

Look alive America because right now we’re in some deep shit. We did this to ourselves. We have failed the black community. Now it’s time to stand up and use our voices. Who is going to stand up for people who look like me? Who is going to stand up for black lives? To my friends, if call yourself my friend and you stay silent during this time, you are not my friend. You are part of the problem and sadly I do not have a place for you in my life. To my friends who have been vocal during this time, thank you, I love you, and please remember to stay on message! I don’t need your sympathy, I need your voice. Thank you and I love you ALL ❤️ #blacklivesmatter #mylifematters #mystorymatters