Thread by @HonestLeYo

#ImAware
I’m aware of my blackness,

I’m aware that it scares the fuck out of some people,

I’m aware that simply trying to dress comfortable transcends the perception of being a thug,

I’m aware that because of my skin I’m viewed as threatening,

I’m aware that if I’m exchanging words with someone I’ll probably be viewed as the aggressor no matter the context,

I’m aware that my life isn’t considered equal,

I’m aware that not everyone shares this hate,

I’m also aware that a lot of people in power do and your support doesn’t cancel their hate,

I’m aware that people expect less of me,

I’m aware that they expect more too,

I’m aware of where I came from,

I’m aware of how we got here,

I’m aware of the history,

I’m aware of the pain we endured for years you pretend is a mystery,

I’m aware of the bucking,

I’m aware of the lynching,

I’m aware of the mistreatment,

I’m aware that their fear stems from karma,

I’m aware they won’t support,

I’m aware that so many are unaware,

I’m aware of my voice and the power it holds,

I’m aware not all will want to hear this,

I’m aware they will try to force in their own notes,

I’m aware they will misinterpret,

I’m aware they will challenge,

I’m aware that I’m surviving with love,

I’m aware they say mental illness is a pain you can’t see,

I’m aware that’s not the case for me, they see but don’t care

I’m aware you see my black skin yet still question the anxiety,

I’m aware you see black people killed in the street yet still question the PTSD,

I’m aware that so many have died to awaken the awareness in me,

I’m aware they’ll question the depression because I continue to smile,

I’m aware of it all and I’ve been aware for a while,

I’m aware of the loss from the pain I’ve endured,

I’m aware they’ll blame me,

I’m aware that what I do reflects my entire race,

I’m aware what others do is not viewed with the same distaste,

I’m aware that as a black man I represent BLACK MEN and we will never be called “lone wolf”,

I’m aware that most wont care but I had to let it out because there’s no room for this in here,

I’m aware despite all the negativity the proper response is love,

I’m aware how much strength that takes considering all the above,

I’m aware of the risk I take by choosing to love,

I’m aware that’s what will kill me one day but I refuse to give up
#ImAware #MyBlackIsBeautiful

Before the perception of being a social justice warrior or some shit comes along I’ll share why I am so aware. Growing up in Mississippi changed my entire outlook on life

People still screaming #StayWoke in 2019 this is how my eyes were opened at the age of 13

#MyFirstTime
Held at gun point🔫
Hands up🙆🏾‍♂️
Not moving a muscle🙍🏾‍♂️

Still being yelled at to
🗣CALM DOWN👮‍♂️

Listening and obeying with the hopes of not being gunned down

Heart racing and body trembling (inside) scared to let the fear out cuz it may have costed me my damn life

#2

This was me walking home🚶🏾‍♂️from playing basketball at the gym⛹🏾‍♂️

Stopped, pushed down into the rocks, patted down and searched while the cops were saying “I know you little thug n*****s like to keep drugs”

This made me cut my hair, stop sagging my clothes and dressing propped

Did that change in appearance help the situation FUCK NO

Traffic stop held at gun point again “Who got the dope”

So when people say just be respectful and nothing will happen I guess you only mean you won’t get shot and die and think the harassment, threats & racial slurs are considered to be “nothing”

Had to let this pain out, been hiding somewhere in me too long

I’ve had a weapon pointed at my face 4 times in my life by the cops. In all 4 altercations I was doing nothing wrong, had no record, no priors

Never sold drugs, I’m not loud/obnoxious in public, didn’t resist or give reason to make them feel threat I’m juz BLACK
#ThisIsAmerica

This is part of why I love my stitch hat so much. It’s a diffuser. Not many people see me as a threat when I’m wearing it #NowYouKnow