Black Female in the World

Submitted By Zoie Mulkey

Zoie Mulkey shared this powerful and timely speech at her school earlier this year. It was posted on Facebook and reaffirms the reality that some do not think exists “all people are created equally by God.” Zoie Mulkey’s “Angry Black Female” “This topic might be controversial but hear me out. I am going to show you what it is like to be in my shoes. Not only does this experience teach lessons but it shows the world’s true colors. “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The Zoie Mulkey's most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.”(Malcolm X). I do believe that statement is true. From the tight coils and waves of my hair that are somehow deemed undesirable to the sun kissed hue of mocha I wear as my complexion. I will forever proudly be a black female in America I am not one to be too problematic but many people know I am very openly opinionated when triggered.

Zoie Mulkey shared this powerful and timely speech at her school earlier this year. It was posted on Facebook and reaffirms the reality that some do not think exists “all people are created equally by God.” Zoie Mulkey’s “Angry Black Female” “This topic might be controversial but hear me out. I am going to show you what it is like being in my shoes. Not only does this experience teach lessons but it shows the world’s true colors. “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The Zoie Mulkey's most unprotected person in America is the black woman.

The Zoie Mulkey's most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.”(Malcolm X). I do believe that statement is true. From the tight coils and waves of my hair that are somehow deemed undesirable to the sun kissed hue of mocha I wear as my complexion. I will forever proudly be a black female in America I am not one to be too problematic but many people know I am very openly opinionated when triggered.

While most people probably see me as a reserved, quiet, and soft-spoken, this is somewhat of a facade; because I feel as if I need to "hold my tongue" in order not to be the angry black girl. Somehow being black and female does not give you the right to have an emotionally driven highly political option. I know you are saying what do you mean by that? Fact or opinion I must hold my tongue like it is some secret code. Meaning just because I have a strong opinion opposing yours, I am “sensitive.” Most of you know what I am talking about: there are examples in this very building of strong black females being vocal and being deemed as aggressive or a disliked personality. I guess many people ask why does it have to be a race thing. I don't want it to be but it turns out that way. But if I confront you about it jokes or remarks I’m the bad guy.

I am fed up with a double standard that no one talks about. I become the epitome of the angry black woman. I do not mean to come off as high strung or intimidating but how else am I supposed to react to some of the things that I have encountered. So I’m going to take you back. Freshman year math, one moment that stuck out in my head the most where one of my classmates in the middle of a lesson blurts out, “Do you want to know what my least favorite color is?” Now I know what you are thinking it could just be orange or something. But no he says brown like the word disgusted him. Some might say it was free speech. No, he thought he was entitled to a racist joke that would evoke a response. In the moment the teacher moved on and continued the lesson but I was stunned. I mostly definitely wanted to blow a fuse but that’s what he wanted “The Angry Black.”

I have always been taught not to be that girl; “the angry black girl.” Sophomore year here I am walking in the courtyard and a security guard stops my friends and me and calmly says, “if you do not go here, you can't be here.” First thing in my head was you are the security personnel aren’t you supposed to know who “kinda” go to school here. I apparently must have looked out of place. In all honestly I wanted to react: but I don’t want to be “Angry Black Girl.” Junior year a teacher purposely trying to rile my feathers by going out of the way to show me up in something I do very well.

At the time I was heated, frustrated but my mother had to explain to me it is not worth it. You are just going to be seen as the angry black girl. Though all of my feelings and points were valid, I was still going to be perceived as the angry black girl if I confronted the situation. Writing this declamation, I have realized this conversation needs to be had. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. (Fanny Lou Hamer) I do not want to hold my tongue. Help me understand what's so intimidating yet you have the audacity to be bold in certain remarks; but I am called sensitive if I care and speak on it. I am tired of playing the game. I am ready to step into becoming more unapologetic.

My feelings and emotions matter. You are going to respect them. Why do I always have to be the bigger person? You are never going to learn and I am tired of living in a world where it is my reality. Independent women of color are not threatening. I have to dot every “I” and cross every “t” in order to be comprehensible. Even if I dared to say some of the ignorant slick stuff that comes out of people’s mouths as a joke; it’s wrong and comes with consequences. But when the tables are turned I have to react in the calmest way possible. At this point, I do not care how I am perceived, what I think matters. I’m no longer going to suppress it to perpetuate sliding problems under the rug, but I hope I sparked a conversation that eventually needs to be had.”