The Race Card Project

This morning, I came across a site entitled "The Race Card Project," where people think about race and write six-word statements that come to mind.  In the current racially charged climate, I found this to be interesting and after reading a few entries, I've decided to share my own.

My six words: Don't Put Me in a Box!

You can look at the caramel color of my face and arms as well as the kink in my hair and know that I am undoubtedly a Black woman, although parts of my body that are less exposed to the sun are a bit more golden than caramel, an homage to my native and European ancestors.

Because I am a Black woman, don't expect me to be ratchet, loud, or rely on government assistance for survival. It also comes as a surprise to many that I'm NOT particularly fond of watermelon and that I like some country music. My preferred sub-genre of reality tv is home improvement programming. Do I like chicken? Heeeeecccckkkk yeah, I like chicken! But I'd rather bake it or get my sister to grill than to have it fried. Just the same, the fact that I like "Seinfeld" and "Friends" doesn't make me "whitewashed."  Do I cook soul food?  Sure do!  From scratch, too! Some of my favorite music runs the gamut from artists like Ledisi and Outkast to Ed Sheeran and Florida Georgia Line.

What's my point?  Simply that you can't judge a book by its cover or determine by one's likes and dislikes from his or her appearance. My African, Native American, and European ancestry as well as environment and personality all play significant roles in who I am, which sight does not explain. I am a Black woman, but don't put me in a box.