"This is what the world looks like for me. A 12-year-old Black boy."

[babylonsister]

Last edited Wed Jun 24, 2020, 09:43 AM - Edit history (1)

https://kellyandryan.com/uncategorized/lonnie-chavis-letter/


"This is Us" star Lonnie Chavis wrote a letter to his mother to process his emotions after the death of George Floyd and has now shared that letter to the world. Lonnie tells us about his thoughts, feelings, and experiences as a 12-year-old experiencing racism in the United States.

My life matters, but does it? America paints a very clear picture of how I should view myself. America shows me that my Blackness is a threat, and I am treated as such. I actually didn’t learn about being Black and what that would mean for me until I was 7 years old. I thought I was a peach man, so my parents educated me on being a Black man really quick with long talks, books and movies like Amistad and Malcolm X. I was overwhelmed with confusion, fear and sadness. I had to lean on my faith in Christ for hope, protection and understanding.

Being a young Black boy in Hollywood made it even more fearful. I can recall the time when I realized there are not a lot of people that look like me on these Hollywood sets and asked my mom where all the Black people were. I also remember being invited to events but then being treated very poorly by security or entrance checkers, like I wasn’t supposed to be there, until I had a publicist to announce me. I think of going to Hollywood events with other actors and actresses where I was constantly asked if I’m the boy from Black-ish or the boy from Stranger Things. I guess we all look alike since we are all Black. Can you imagine being confused for any other Black kid just because you all share the same profession? I can.

I can recall a time on set when I started crying listening to an actor portray a racist grandmother toward my character. The director and writers told me that they didn’t need me to cry for the scene. However, it was hard for me not to cry as I witnessed what I had just learned was my reality. I wasn’t acting, I was crying for me. Can you imagine having to explain to a room full of white people why I couldn’t hold back my real tears while experiencing the pain of racism? I can.


more...

[stillcool]

1. sometimes there are no words.

[cayugafalls]

2. This is our America. It has to change.

[erronis]

3. This is heart wrenching. I wish there were example countries where all races/peoples live together

in harmony.

I used to think France was an example. Many blacks from the US moved to France in the 50's. Then the French had it's spasms of hatred against the people from a country they invaded, Algeria. Later and more recently, they are having problems with assimilation of migrants and other non-French peoples.

England/Great Britain/United Kingdom (whatever) also seemed to be tolerant of many folks from around the world. Especially those coming from the dominated Colonies. Recently they have shown a lot of xenophobia.

Italy, Greece, Australia, many countries have been infected with a anti-foreigner mentality.

Of course all of these countries, especially the US, are nothing but a bag of immigrants.

[tiredtoo]

5. remember this one

[erronis]

8. I recognized the lyric style before the group. Tom Lehrer, and the Kingston Trio

Thank you!

[HipChick]

7. Not true...England/Great Britain/United Kingdom has its own share of systematic racism

ongoing undercurrents..

[Lonestarblue]

4. I still remember the incident of police arresting Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates.

He had returned home from a trip and was trying to get his stuck front door open when police showed up after a 911 call of a burglary. Instead of just questing Gates and getting idea showing he lived there, police arrested him. Even in Cambridge, Massachusetts, an internationally known black man could not be on his own front steps without risking arrest. Whoever called 911 may not have known him, but police should have as soon as they saw an ID and an address that matched the steps where he was standing. But they arrested him anyway.

[brer cat]

6. I wish everyone could read this

and take his words to heart. This is no way for a 12 year old boy to feel. It is heartbreaking.