She Strengthens

Unleashing the Fury: A Nation’s Worth of Pain and Frustration

For centuries, Black people have been forced to swallow their pain, fear, and hopelessness. The weight of this oppression is exemplified in Richard Wright’s 1937 essay “The Ethics of Living Jim Crow,” where he recounts the countless times he was assaulted, demeaned, and forced to cater to the white ego. The choice was simple: comply or die. Wright chose to survive, a testament to the resilience of Black people who have been surviving chaos for over 400 years.

A World Built on Injustice

While white people live their lives with relative ease, Black people are fighting to exist in a world that once traded their lives for currency. The NYPD receives budget increases every year, even as they continue to murder unarmed Black people. Redlining has decimated Black people’s ability to accumulate generational wealth through homeownership. When we finally began to rebuild, the Great Recession disproportionately affected Black Americans, leaving us to face foreclosure while the government bailed out banks.

The Anger That Fuels Action

Anger is an emotion that prepares us for action or conflict. However, when mismanaged or suppressed, it can be destructive. Sidelining anger has severe consequences, including chronic pain, high blood pressure, and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It’s no wonder Black people experience these health issues at alarming rates, especially when living in a constant state of survival mode.

The Double Standard of Anger

For Black people, anger is a complex emotion. Expressing emotions is often discouraged, especially for men. While white men are permitted to express anger, which is seen as a display of power, Black men must navigate a fine line to avoid being perceived as aggressive. Black women, on the other hand, are labeled as “angry” or “unprofessional” when they raise their voices or show passion. The double standard is clear: anger is a privilege reserved for white people.

Listening to Black Rage

It’s time to acknowledge the centuries of pain and frustration that have led to the current state of unrest. Telling Black people to be calm or that violence is not the answer is a plea to follow the rules, but we can no longer listen to white people telling us we can’t be mad. We’ve been peaceful for years, and it’s gotten us nowhere. It’s time to listen to our rage and take action.

Rebuilding a Better World

If we dismantle this country, we’ll rebuild it – not for white people, but for ourselves. We’ll use 400 years of frustration, hunger, and pain to create a better world, one where nobody has to break things, people, or lives to be heard. We’ve already lost millions of lives to anger unheard. It’s time to create a reality where our voices are valued, and our lives matter.