Endure

I am second-generation Sierra-Leonean, born and raised in the United States.  My childhood was sensitive; I grew up with racist Whites and angry Blacks that overtly and secretly despised Whites.  I grew up with boys just as angry as Killmonger.  Add Africans into the mix and it gets tricky.  Many of my peers categorized me as an African, resenting and isolating me. I was made fun for having parents from Africa with thick accents.  African Booty Scratcher.  Big Lip Bitch.  Ugly Darkie.  My hair was always braided, and therefore considered short and ugly.  I was forced to embrace my studies because hanging out at the mall was foolish, according to my parents.  In many ways, I was an outcast at school…

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