Unapologetically Brown

Why did I choose to title this blog “Unapologetically Brown?” Well, when my children were young, my daughter at the time kept wondering why African American people were called “black.” In learning colors, she could see the clear difference between black and brown and she knew that her skin, and most of the people she was surrounded by regularly, were not “black.” She would always say, “I am not black, I am brown.” I had no choice but to agree with her, and since then, to be honest, I kind of think twice before I call our people “black.” I will go for the longer version of “African American” before I say “black.” I have my reservations about the “African American” term as well, but I feel it’s the better of the two. It’s crazy how young people can teach us so much if we only allow ourselves to hear and learn. So as parents, their dad and I are teaching them to be Unapologetically Brown, and that’s why you’re here with me today.

African American people have been made to feel that we have to apologize for who we are for centuries. Since our ancestors were taken from their homes and brought to where we are today, our people have been treated like we don’t truly belong because we look and act differently from other cultures, especially whites. Now don’t get me wrong, this platform is in no way going to bash other races and cultures because I have a love for many from other cultures. However, I am here to celebrate my people. I have learned over my lifetime that being different is beautiful, it is powerful, and it should be applauded, not hated. Our people’s differences landed them in slavery and even when they were made so-called “free” they were forced to live in poor, underserved communities. Those communities have been labeled as the “ghetto,” but we still survived and found ways to rebuild and thrive. One thing oppressors don’t like is to see the oppressed rising up, joining together, and overcoming the oppression. That’s why we had occurrences like the “Tulsa Race Massacre” over 100 years ago, where “Black Wall Street” was burned to the ground, leaving many devastated, injured, and dead. African Americans have the capability and power to rebuild affluent communities, we just need to join together to do it.

There are so many “ghettos” across the United States filled with African American people. These communities don’t have the standard necessary resources to create a thriving community as others do, which has left many people to get caught up in poverty. Drug and alcohol addiction is the norm in many impoverished African American communities because many feel that is the only way to cope with life. Some may even resort to selling drugs, along with other illegal activities because their mental scope only sees their current impoverished situation. That tiny view puts them in a headspace of survival and temporary relief. I used to look at drug dealers and criticize them because it hurt to think that they were helping to poison their own people. However, although I do not agree with it at all, as I have lived life and learned life’s struggles, I have a better understanding of how the mind can be manipulated over time, putting a person in the mindset of “this is the only way out.” Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t live in a world where excuses are acceptable, but I have become more empathetic towards others. I’ve realized that the hand our brown people have been dealt, was a losing hand from the beginning, which makes it extremely hard for people to escape what they see as their horrible inevitable fate. The beautiful thing is that African Americans are super resilient and many of us are thriving and succeeding. We own businesses, we write, we create, we build, and we even work in some of the most difficult and well-respected career fields.

Those that have risen above the negativity that has been dished out to us are considered to be some of the mentally and spiritually stronger individuals of the African American community. They either have made it out of the “ghetto” or “hood” as we call it, or have succeeded while still there. I believe it is the job of all that have or are still making it through, to help those that remain, with no progression in sight. Sadly, because of how our people have been mentally conditioned by a society that has hated us for so long, we don’t always help others that have been left behind when we succeed, and that sucks. Some take on the mindset of “Well if I did it, you should be able to do it too,” instead of saying “Because I did it, I can help you do it too!” People have attached a negative connotation to the word “handout,” however, there is nothing negative about holding your hand out to help another, that’s positivity at its best. I’m still waiting for my finances to manifest to where they need to be, and as they do, the "hood" is coming with me. It’s an absolute must that we do our part to help those that may not be as strong as we are, or who weren’t provided with the same opportunities that we were. Opportunities for brown people remind me of the arcade machine game with the claw that is trying to grab onto prizes. Once they become available to you, you have to hold on for dear life until you are completely out and secure. But once we are secure, we’ve got to go back and help make it easier for someone else. If we can’t do that, what are we good for?... ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

I grew up in a few hoods in Brooklyn. I remember living on the first floor of the “projects” in East New York, called “Linden Houses.” We had to stay low many nights because the gunshots would be whipping past our window and we didn’t want to get hit by stray bullets. I never understood why our people felt survival included annihilating each other. We went from fighting an enemy who looked nothing like us so that we could receive the right to live freely, to fighting and killing each other. It’s hard to watch and I hope one day we come to a united space so that we can build up our communities instead of tearing them down. I made it out, but many of my family and friends have not. Some just need an open door to walk through and others just need a bit more motivation to see themselves in a better place. When you see yourself in a space with so many that look like you, I think it is sometimes easy to get comfortable, no matter the circumstance. It’s crazy how I grew up feeling like the majority in a country that calls us “minorities.” It is important to note that even in small project apartments, there are budding scholars and life changers. Our environment doesn’t have to define our existence, it is just part of our journey.

Not all African Americans grew up in poverty, so I’m not lumping us all into the same boat, however, for many of our people, this has been part of our past and continues to be a part of our present. We have got to find ways to help give our people hope for the future. Hopefully, as our people continue to start businesses and build wealth, we can provide the knowledge we obtain to others, to help them build better lives for themselves.

Reppin' Brooklyn

I have had the privilege to meet and get to know some amazing business owners who are making their mark in their communities. My hometown, Brooklyn, NY has some of the best food spots and Jazzitup Caribbean Cuisine is definitely at the top of my list. I have always loved Caribbean food; the flavors are amazing and this business owner Jasmine Maughn is no novice in the kitchen. I was blessed to taste her cooking years ago before I left New York. Back then, she could always be found cooking, whether it was for the church or other events. At that time she was just getting her catering business up and running, and now it’s so amazing to see its growth over the years! To know that her business is still killing it makes me extremely happy because she is an amazing person and her food is BOMB! This is a true testament to the fact that our people can have longevity and success in business. I asked Jasmine to give me a few words that she feels best describe her and she modestly gave me “vibrant, bold, determined, and loving.” I couldn’t agree more. She is a wife, mom of 2, and business owner! Who said we can’t have it all? I’m looking forward to the day when I fly back home to New York and step into the restaurant that she will one day own.

H-TOWN

Now here in Houston, “black-owned” businesses are a pretty big deal. I met the owners of OptionZ Crafthouse/VibrationZ, Malachi, and Jasmyn Boykin not too long after relocating to Houston. They create “specialty cocktails on the go,” and their drinks are incredible! They use the freshest ingredients and the best alcohol to create their signature cocktails. I’m not going to lie, they’ve turned me into a “cocktail snob.” I’m spoiled! I’ve gone to many places and received drinks with fruit juice from concentrate, like a Lemon Drop, for example, and I send it back. I mean after you experience theirs, you know the difference between legit and trash, and you’ll never accept trash drinks again. This couple makes a great pair for this business and they are constantly growing. The ever-confident Malachi described himself as “The one and only,” while his ride or die said “passionate, selfless, and effortless.” These two are great business people and individuals as a whole, not to mention very competitive, spades opponents. But, they are long overdue for their spades beatdown (LOL).

The Dirty South

As I’ve gotten older, I understand the importance of using natural products to keep the skin and scalp super moisturized. I have extremely dry skin, my youngest daughter has eczema, and everyone in my house deals with dry scalp. I have tried many different skin creams and hair oils, but I always ended up trying to concoct natural products on my own from scratch, because I didn’t totally find what I was looking for. Even though it was rewarding to know that all of the ingredients I was using were all-natural, it was a lot of work and took a lot of time that I don’t really have. Imagine my relief and excitement when my sister Khya Pierce told me she had a passion for making body butter and hair oils. My niece has eczema as well, so this was a perfect way for her to first help heal her daughter’s skin, as well as help others experience healthy hair and skin. She started her brand Whatta Touch in South Carolina in 2021. Her products smell amazing and they really work. I’m not just celebrating this business because it is owned by my actual blood sister, but I’m celebrating it because it is a brown-owned business that has products that many people can benefit from. She has a strong customer base in South Carolina, and her products have been sold at a vendor fair in Columbia, SC. Her hair oil is now being sold at Top Beauty Supply Store, in Spartanburg, SC. When asked, Khya described herself as humble, a motivator, loving, and blessed. I am very proud of what my sister has been able to accomplish at such a young age and as a mom of 2 ½…(I have another little niece on the way)!!!

I envision this blog as being a platform that will celebrate our African American people culture, businesses, and accomplishments. I also want this to be a way for you to join me on my journey of learning much more about the culture along the way. I am in no way an expert, but I hope to become more educated in life and to be able to share that knowledge with others. These 3 businesses are among so many others owned by African Americans that are truly making their mark in the world. I will continue to research and highlight the positives our community has to offer. Many of our children are beings who have future aspirations far greater than what many of us had at their ages. They are the “Game Changers” of today in the African American community, and it’s our job to teach them by first being examples, as well as teaching them to always love themselves, to never try to change their differences to appease others, to help others as much as possible, and to remain UNAPOLOGETIC for who they are. This journey is open to whoever wants to tag along. Hopefully, you stick around for the ride so we can all experience why African Americans should remain Unapologetically Brown.

Until we meet again, Peace for Now!