When you're Black in America, you spend a lot of time counting firsts. The higher the first, the more we marvel (and shake our heads at how long it took to happen.) The higher the first, the more the person who achieved it comes to represent how we want the nation to see us.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the significance of achievements by Black individuals in America and how they symbolize progress and representation amidst historical challenges.
Jonathan Capehart's quote reflects on the experiences of Black Americans who often find themselves measuring progress through significant milestones achieved by individuals in the community. Each 'first' achieved—be it in politics, sports, or other fields—serves as both a source of pride and a reminder of the systemic obstacles that have existed, emphasizing the broader narrative of representation and the hope for a more equitable future.
In practice
In a speech about diversity and inclusion at a corporate event.
Isn't it sad that really the only times I feel seen as an American are when I'm abroad? I'm not saying racism doesn't exist outside of the United States. What I am saying is that the rest of the world can see that I'm American. Why is it so hard for so many White Americans?
The harsh truth is that 'respectability' is the exorbitant tax we African Americans are forced to pay daily as we try to live out our versions of the American Dream.
Caught in a racial uproar, people make all sorts of promises to make amends. Whatever they do tends to be heavy on symbolism and light on lasting change.
When you're Black in the United States, you grudgingly grow accustomed to having people deny that your existence is integral to everything that makes this country what it is.
There are still too many instances of police neither protecting nor serving LGBTQ and other marginalized communities. But the response shouldn't be to ban LGBTQ police from a parade.
Scapegoating is as American as apple pie. And because there's almost always a racial or ethnic dynamic to it in our country, scapegoating is the evil cousin of white supremacy.
How we dwelt in two worlds the daughters and the mothers in the kingdom of the sons.
Here I was again tonight forcing laughter, faking smiles Same old tired, lonely place
I sat down on the edge of a deep soft chair and looked at Mrs Regan. She was worth a stare. She was trouble.
Whether it be a matter of personal relations within a marriage or political initiatives within a peace process, there is no sure-fire do-it-yourself kit.
Nothing haunts us like the things we don't say.
Marriage was ordained for a remedy and to increase the world and for the man to help the woman and the woman the man, with all love and kindness.
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