Dear Professors of This P.W.I. (@JMU)

Dear Professors of this P.W.I. (@JMU)

1. “Well, I can see that you’re female, and I can also see that you’re black.”

2. “Did you know your last name was a slave last name?”

3. “I loved pointing out to my racist father we too had a black person’s last name.”

4. “Do you know what PWI means? You should.”

5. “Every country has its group of ‘N’ words, you know?”

6. “I don’t think there are things you specifically need to improve…or things that you do wrong. You are great at what you do.” (I didn’t get a lead position after years of leading. So, when the position became available, I asked why I didn’t get it. This was my response.)

7. “As you can see, we have a diverse team here, so all should feel welcomed.”

8. “That is something that a majority of the class cannot relate to”. (I did a speech on police brutality and black lives. This was my feedback. This was intentional and I knew exactly who my audience was.)

 Dear James Madison University,

The above quotes represent some of the things my professors have said to me over the years

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t offended, felt sad and I even shed a few tears

I didn’t know how to respond to this and kept a lot of my feelings in

But I’m here today to finally voice my thoughts and for once feel comfortable in my skin

https://tenor.com/view/kevin-hart-its-about-to-go-down-calm-before-the-storm-gif-4420127

Truth be told, I never really liked my school and always felt left out

Ironically, my grades are outstanding but my color is why I stand out

Surrounded by cookie cutter, mass-produced typical suburban girls

It’s hard not to doubt myself and embrace my curves and curls.

I am the unexpected in a sea of Barbie’s on parade

Hell…Mac and Fenty cosmetics can’t conceal this caramel shade.

https://tenor.com/view/curves-figure-gif-8331077

To the professor of quote number one: this is what I have to say

I look at myself in the mirror multiple times a DAY.

Thank you for stating the obvious, I wasn’t likely to forget

You said that as if being black and female was something to regret.

https://tenor.com/view/new-york-gif-7314776

To the professor of quote number two, allow me to educate you.

My last name originates from England, please get a clue

Not every black person has ancestors who were enslaved

Not every slave took the name of their owners in praise

Stop making generalizations and stupid ass assumptions

Learn how to conduct a proper student meeting, minus all the ruction.

“dId yOu kNow yOu hAd a sLavE lAst naMe?”

https://tenor.com/view/spongebob-mocking-chicken-trending-meme-gif-8617355

To the same professor of quotes two and number three

Your attempt at degrading daddy is such a tragedy

It’s repulsive sharing names with that racist doormat

I THANK GOD my mama taught me so much better than that.

https://tenor.com/view/madea-hallelujer-gif-9260805

To the professor of quote four…Watch what you say

Predominantly White Institution is ALL the U.S.A.

To the esteemed professors of quotes five through eight

Your words are veiled in ignorance, designed to agitate

Thank you each for the lessons you have added to my life

Undertones and an undercurrent of reminders that I AM NOT WHITE.

https://tenor.com/view/dont-forget-gif-7544872

Dear Professors of this P.W.I. I’ll say this in closing

You possess degrees but you’re not above coaching

Beauty has no skin tone and achievement has no color

I will prevail and excel although you’ve made it tougher

https://tenor.com/view/boom-gif-14144727

~Peace

https://tenor.com/view/obama-micdrop-gif-5658368

Citations

Featured Image: Unknown. (2017, April 11). Pick Up The Mic GIF – AllEyezOnMe AllEyezOnMeGIFs TupacShakur – Discover & Share GIFs. Retrieved from https://tenor.com/view/all-eyez-on-me-all-eyez-on-me-gifs-tupac-shakur-microphone-gif-8235018.

Gif #1: https://tenor.com/view/kevin-hart-its-about-to-go-down-calm-before-the-storm-gif-4420127

Gif #2:https://tenor.com/view/curves-figure-gif-8331077

Gif #3:https://tenor.com/view/new-york-gif-7314776

Gif #4: https://tenor.com/view/spongebob-mocking-chicken-trending-meme-gif-8617355

Gif #5:https://tenor.com/view/madea-hallelujer-gif-9260805

Gif #6: https://tenor.com/view/dont-forget-gif-7544872

Gif #7:https://tenor.com/view/boom-gif-14144727

Gif #8: https://tenor.com/view/obama-micdrop-gif-5658368