Chicago Pastor and Project H.O.O.D. founder Corey Brooks says the negative forces that told him America is a systemically racist nation hasn’t weakened his steadfast belief in America, in her principles and her promise
On this 4th of July, I’ve come to a simple realization: I never doubted my freedom as an American. Never once. I always knew I was as free as any other American, no matter their color.
This may not seem to be a significant realization. But when I look back on my life, I can see all the negative forces that tried to make me doubt myself as an American. There were individuals who tried to plant the seed in my head that I should always be angry at America for enslaving and segregating my ancestors.
When I was young, certain individuals told me I was a fool trying to live in White man’s America where freedom was for only the Whites. Even the last dozen years, from Trayvon Martin to George Floyd, I’ve had to listen to how America is a systemically racist nation run by White supremacists who will never see me as nothing more than a Black body.
MEET THE AMERICAN WHO WROTE 'AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL,' KATHARINE LEE BATES, PROFESSOR-POET PRAYED FOR UNITY
I never bought into any of that and that is what I’m most thankful for on this 4th of........