In Case You Didn't Know...

In case you didn't know, I'm young. I'm 29 years young at that. In a position where age seems to be my greatest variable, constantly being told how "Old" I carry myself.

In case you didn't know I'm African. My roots trace from Nigeria where the tongue of Igbo fall from my fathers mouth. Your idea of a hut, dismantles the idea that my ancestors, brotha's and sistah's built a whole dam world from the labors of hands.

In case you didn't know I"m Black. My mothers voice sing the streets of Inglewood through all depths of melanin in our family. Our Blackness is wherever we are and whenever we are.

In case you didn't know I'm Gay. My gayness is not white, its black like the back of Bayard Rustin. Like the hair of James Baldwin and half the rhythms of Frank Ocean. My sexuality prescribes my love. You may not like, but it is not for you desires that I love.

In case you didn't know I am a man. I check my privilege when it comes to a Woman's right to speak, move, dance, breathe, jump, love, hate, cry and so many other things we restrict them to be. My manliness does not mean I can switch when I walk, put on lipstick or cry. It means that when I walk down the street at night I have the privilege of folks to be scared of and shot without a doubt in their mind.

In case you didn't know, my identity is intersectional. I am a Black-African Gay Young Man whose perspectives on the world are different than any of those around me. I celebrate diversity, yet hold accountable those who do not. I must walk this world always looking over my shoulder for those who want to hang, beat and kill me. I must stand tall when at work because sometimes my colleagues don't realize that my identity will always be apart of who I am. I must remind people that I am young and young people can do the work if allowed the space to do so. I must remind people that I am Black and we are talented, inspirational, intellectual even when we don't speak your language. I am gay and have every right to be a father who will always be there for his daughter and mother of his child!

In case you didn't know I am in love! I am in love with who I've become and who I am still growing to be. I am in love with the life I have brought into this world and what amazing things are yet to come for them. I am me and I love me. I love every drop of me from the curve of my foot to the tip of my hair.

In case you didn't know, you haven't killed me. You have yet to win this war! I am my ancestor's wildest dreams and you will not stop me even if I'm 6 feet under.

In case you didn't know.... well now, you know!

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