Late Night Thoughts

17 Struggles All Suburban Black Kids Know Too Well by Pedro Fequiere

Meeting that one friend’s parent that you didn’t know was racist

Being the prime suspect of whatever was stolen at a house party

Your parents encouraging you to make friends with the only other black kids in the neighborhood even though you have your own friends

Not understanding all black culture references because you didn’t have as many black friends to experience them with

People coming back from spring break and comparing their tan to your skin

Searching far and wide for a salon that can do your hair

And people freely touching and grabbing your hair

Being called an Oreo, because… you’re not reeaally black

People assuming you’re good at any and all sports

Everyone looking to you to explain and demonstrate new dance crazes

People dialing their slang up a couple notches when talking to you

Swimming in a neighbor’s pool and having everyone marvel at how your hair reacts to water

People assuming that you have a huge crush on the only other black person in school

That moment when you learn about slavery in class and you can feel everyone staring at you

Being way more cautious than your friends about typical suburban mischief

People saying “You sound white,” because you speak proper English