My Story, My Struggle, and My Hope for the Black Community

I want to share a story from my own life. It is a small piece of my journey, but one that has shaped who I am today as an entrepreneur living in an America that still struggles to define itself along the lines of Black and White.

My Journey Through Murphy High School

In ninth grade, I attended Murphy High School after my family moved to the Sugar Creek Apartments on Memorial Drive. Murphy was a predominantly Black high school. About ninety percent of the student body was Black, with a few Asian students and very few White students. The school carried a heavy history. At one point, a student had even shot and killed the principal. That was the environment into which I walked as a teenager.

Despite that backdrop, one of my clearest memories was participating in the Christmas play that year. I carried the lead role, and I was the only one given a song to perform. When the play debuted in the gym, something remarkable happened. At the end, I received a standing ovation. People rose to their feet and clapped for what felt like forever. I believed in that moment that my performance had truly touched them.

The Pain of Being Overlooked

But when the time came to receive trophies, everyone who participated was handed one, except me. The reason given was that there were not enough trophies. It stung. Not simply because I was overlooked, but because of what I realized deep down: being biracial meant I was treated differently, even within the Black community.

This was not the first time I felt it, nor would it be the last. I felt it in the U.S. Navy. I felt it in elementary school. I felt it in high school. And now, as I look back, I ask myself a difficult question: Why do I continue to fight for a community that sometimes has done to me what it continues to fight against others doing to them?

A Community Worth Fighting For

I am not blaming the entire community. If I believed that, I would not fight as hard as I do today to bring people together. But honesty matters. We cannot move forward if we are not willing to confront where we truly are. Too often, we let social media define our lives, using it as a soapbox to lie, to hustle, to chase quick rewards instead of building something lasting. Then one day, you wake up at 40, 50, or even 60 years old, and you realize you missed every opportunity to grow because you ignored the ones who tried to make a difference.

I confess, I struggle with this every day. I ask God to set me free, but instead, He pushes me forward. He nudges me to fight another day. Sometimes I wonder: Is He doing this for my growth, or am I simply being made a servant to the same people who once were servants to others?

The Ongoing Struggle

Regardless, here I am. Struggling, yes. But still pushing on. And if I can push on for the sake of the Black community, why can’t the Black community push on for itself? Why can’t we push on for one another?

That is the question I leave you with. Make that make sense.

Building a Stronger Future Together

As I reflect on my experiences, I realize that the journey is not just mine. It belongs to all of us. We are all part of a larger narrative. Each of us has a story that contributes to the collective experience of our community.

We must come together to share our stories. By doing so, we can create a supportive environment that fosters growth and understanding. We can learn from one another and uplift each other.

The Importance of Community Support

Community support is vital. It helps us navigate the challenges we face. When we lift each other up, we create a network of strength. This network can help us overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams.

I often think about how we can better support one another. What can we do to ensure that everyone feels valued and included? How can we create spaces where every voice is heard?

Taking Action

It starts with small actions. We can reach out to someone who may be struggling. We can offer our time, resources, or simply a listening ear. These small gestures can make a significant impact.

Let’s commit to being there for one another. Let’s build relationships that foster trust and collaboration. Together, we can create a thriving economic ecosystem.

Embracing Our Differences

Our differences are what make us unique. They are not barriers; they are bridges. We must embrace our diversity and use it to our advantage. By celebrating our differences, we can create a richer, more vibrant community.

Let’s not shy away from difficult conversations. Instead, let’s engage in them. Let’s ask the tough questions and seek answers together.

Moving Forward

As we move forward, let’s remember the importance of unity. We are stronger together. We can achieve so much more when we work as a cohesive unit.

I believe in the power of community. I believe in the potential of each individual. Together, we can create a future that reflects our shared values and aspirations.