I Walk Like I’m Black

Photo Credit: Wellcome Collection

Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

I’ve always had a walk. When I was little, I remember being told that I “switched.” In school, others would sometimes comment and compliment me on my gait. My ex even secretly recorded my saunter once, to my surprise!

While I was on the treadmill the other day, it dawned on me: I walk like I’m Black. I walk like I’m defiant. I walk like I’m resilient. Strong. I walk like a survivor. I walk like I’m fearsome and fierce. I walk like an apex predator because the world sees me as prey. I walk like I’m unbreakable.

I walk like life; like I am the creator and the created. I walk to the music in my heart; the voltage in my bones. I walk like I’m on my way to change the world; like every step creates the future.

I walk like restrictions and limitations do not apply. My walk is an art form, a masterpiece, and a protest. I walk like courage. I walk like I’m Black.