racism: forever a foe

The year 1995.  As I walked out of the DMV glancing at my new NC license I noticed an identifier of R.  I returned back in and ask what ever could the R stand for?  Yes, I truly was that naive.  

The R stood for race and interestingly enough, I had been identified with a W, for white, which I am not.

I sat in my car, for quite some time mind you, contemplating whether or not I would go back in and let the woman know she made a mistake.  I thought about how the city I lived in, at the time, was predominantly segregated.  

I thought about how we were about to buy a home and there was a disproportionate number of people of color qualified but prevented from buying homes.    Especially in the areas they preferred.   I thought about the treatment I would receive if I were ever stopped by the police.  I thought about how I was treated at work.  I thought about how I was treated at the grocery store.  I thought about the glaring looks of disapproval in an attempt to find a home church.   I remembered the conversations I had with school teachers, principals, and superintendents alike because of the injustices my children were experiencing while attending school because they, too, are not white. I thought about why it took me ten months to even decide I would stay in a state that did not embrace me. 

I then decided I would leave it.  The license, that is.

I no longer live in that state but I still have my driver’s license.  I kept it because it was shocking to me that I had to make this decision in order for me and my family to be afforded the same opportunities as others.

I kept it because it reminded me of the injustice experienced because of the race I was born into.  

But, I ask, why is racism still acceptable?  Why is it is even necessary?   

In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist.  We must be anti-racist.  Angela Y. David.

Forever a foe,
Liz​