The revelation of reality sometimes stings in the most unassuming ways. Last Friday, @GovPritzker's Exec Order requiring facemasks for those who venture outside went into effect. This EO was the right thing to do to protect Illinoisians in the face of this deadly virus. 1/16
It is a responsible move that will save lives and those who are using it as a reason to "stick it to the establishment" or start a contrived fight over "personal freedom," are misguided and out of line. This includes @VP Pence. 2/16
Yesterday, however, the mask reminded of the gratuitous & unwanted attn given to those of us of a certain demographic while engaging in normal social acts and how quickly the objective can turn into the subjective based on implicit bias and prejudice 3/16
I went to a store to purchase some items. I wore what I think many people would wear to the store on a Sun. (when there is no church): a hoodie, sweatpants & gym shoes. I also had on my facemask & gloves per the Order (I was dressed like many of the other shoppers I saw). 4/16
When exiting the store I was approached by a uniformed officer who questioned the items in my cart. I explained to him I had just purchased them from the store he saw me walk out of. He asked to see my receipt, which was deep in my pocket. As I looked for it, he waited 5/16
After 30 seconds or so, I found it and gave it to him. He barely glanced at it and then asked for my ID. I complied. He walked to his car and was in it for a couple of minutes and returned both the ID and my receipt. 6/16
When I asked why he approached me in the 1st place, his response was: "People are using the coronavirus to do bad things. I couldn't see your face, man. You looked like you were up to something." Which begs the question, what does someone who is up to something look like? 7/16
As scores of masked people walked in and out without encumbrance I was reminded of the reality that I have been programmed to show as much of my face as possible and use certain cues to disarm anyone who might have a learned inclination to be suspicious of my very presence. 8/16
Yrs before the murder of Trayvon Martin, experience dictated to me the dangers that may wait to assail me for simply having my hood up. Because I guess that's what someone who is "up to something" looks like. 9/16
When I was a teenager, a mentor, in one of a series of "talks" that are given to black boys on how to maneuver a society that often looks at you as a threat first, told me to "dress like a prospect and not a suspect," in order to avoid situations like this. 10/16
I am a 6'4'' black male from the Southside of Chicago & when not in a suit, I'm likely in a hoodie, jeans & Jordans. & depending on the time of year, a myriad of tattoos may be visible. I am keenly aware of not looking like I am "up to something," but should I have to be? 11/16
I can't help, but think about whether or not my friends of different races ever got the "prospect not suspect" talk. How many of them needed it for their survival? I think I know the answer. I've struggled with whether or not to say something about this publicly. 12/16
It's been heavy on my heart. Not because it's novel. It's not. It has happened to me before & will probably happen again. Not because I am indignant that my law degree or being a State Legislator didn't absolve me from this type of interaction. I never expect that it will. 13/16
It bothers me most because I can't help but think of the dangers that are inherent for a number of black men who are just adhering to the mask rule and by doing so, look like they are "up to something." This is not in the least bit an absolute indictment on any group. 14/16
It is an indictment on the whole of society for creating a climate where this is normal and this is ok. Where @HenryLouisGates gets arrested for entering his own home. I've said it before & I am sure I will have to say this again as this virus shines an uncomfortable light.15/16
COVID will not break us. It will only reveal to us what is already broken. There's a lot to be fixed. 16/16
