The Lives Behind the Movement

This page has real experiences from Black people living in the United States. They have sent me these stories word for word and agreed to have them published online. Some people choose to remain anonymous, so I ask that if you know their identity you respect their decision and privacy. These are not meant as attacks, but rather tools to learn how to better support and uplift the Black Community. More stories coming soon!

If you would like your story added, please contact me :)

Story One: Elena

" The first memory I have was when I was in 4th grade. I'm mixed, so I have mixed girl hair obviously. I was always terrified of wearing my natural hair completely down at my almost completely white school. Until one day in 4th grade, I found the confidence. I had 5 different people make fun of my hair that day. The comment I remember the most was a girl in my class who said in front of everyone " Hey Elena, the '80s called and they want their hair back." and everyone laughed. I remember coming home from school that day crying. After that day I was convinced that I would never be considered beautiful because I wasn't a skinny white girl with light hair and eyes. Fast forward to 6th grade, I would wear my natural hair down in a ponytail. That didn't stop the "popular" guys to start calling me poop hair, and that was when I started to straighten my hair. Over the years since then, I've heard "I don't like black girls", "Have you tried getting a perm", "Whitewashed", "Monkey", "You can't play that part, you're black", "You talk white", "Too white", "Too black", and countless other words/phrases. I didn't start gaining my confidence again until about the end of 9th grade. But I'm proud of where I'm at now because it took me a lot of work to get here."

Story Two: Teenage Girl

"As a young black teen living in a white community life hasn't been the easiest. But whose life is?! Not to say that it's been bad, but the negative experiences make me stronger. I was adopted by white parents at birth and I have 5 white siblings. They ARE my family, and I know God sent me to them. I have a good relationship with everyone who is, and is not of my color. I also do generally have a good relationship with officers of the law as well. I believe 95% of policemen out there have good intentions for the work that they do. Like you and I, the police are people. Show kindness to everyone. Especially if they are unkind to you."

Story Three: The Caption of Lovey

"I hope you understand the reason why I haven't posted a lot on my story. And that's because social media has been taking the worst toll on my mental health. To sit there and see some of you who I call my friends bring me down because of my skin is beyond me. The hurt that I've been going through during these times is worse than anything I can recall. Don't get me wrong we all hurting. But I know us black people are hurting more. I've been remembering some horrible flashbacks I have had. And to be more specific some of my horrible experiences took place WITH SOME OF YOU who I call my friends. Some of the things I've heard people tell me: "why is your skin so dark?", "I like her more because she's white.", "Brown is an ugly color.", "You aren't beautiful you are black.", "Why do you do your hair like that?", "I'm darker than you now!" Now let's get deeper into things. Some of you guys used to always try to convince me and tell me I'm beautiful. You all say it's "annoying" when I don't accept your compliments. Here's why. I was born and raised in Utah. I have never lived anywhere else. While growing up here people have never said nice things about my skin. The things people have said to me have never left me to this day. I HAVE NEVER FELT BEAUTIFUL. NEVER HAVE AND I DON'T KNOW WHEN I WILL. But today was the day it hit me. BEAUTY HAS NO SKIN TONE. Why do you have to look at me and tell me you don't think I'm beautiful because I'm black? And I hope you realize telling me I look like another black girl is the most offensive comment I hear. And I still hear it. Stop saying that. It makes me feel ugly and I feel like I don't hold any beauty. Now when I say that I don't mean other black women are ugly. This comment is offensive to any black person out there because all hold our own beauty. To ALL THE MINORITIES OUT THERE WE SEE YOU AND WE FEEL YOU. None of us talk about how we scared we are when something as simple as being pulled over by the cops scares us. I hope you all know black lives matter TODAY, TOMORROW, AND FOREVER. Not because it's a trend now. Our lives shouldn't just matter because it's a trend. It SHOULD'VE matter a long time ago."

graphic via TMI