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White People Won't Even Let Us BBQ in Peace But Chadwick Boseman's Got Something for That

May 15, 2018 12:00:00 AM

by Tanesha Peeples

Outrage: The Susans of the World

I’m sure you’ve seen the hilarious memes of the woman who called the police on the Black people for barbecuing. I’ve named her Susan. Black Twitter has been getting on Susan’s ass for that foolery and once again, remains undefeated. (Check out the one below, teehee.)

Susan Meme

But in all seriousness, the Susans of the world won’t let us live. Especially not Black students. Here’s the evidence: So just to be clear, we can’t drive while Black, barbecue while Black or safely attend school while Black. Basically, we can’t mind our own damn business without being harassed. I’m just waiting for a list of all of the other things we can’t do or for someone to realize that the Susans of the world are truly a threat to our safety. But so far: Susan 4, Black people 0.

Hope: Wakandan Wisdom

T’Challa has some advice for how to deal with the Susans of the world. And I’m just glad that Chadwick Boseman is still somebody’s “man crush Monday,” “play cousin,” “homie” or “leader” because that means that people will listen to the gems he drops. And this is a good one.
Many of you will leave Howard and enter systems and institutions that have a history of discrimination and marginalization.... You can use your education to improve the world that you are entering.
These were Chadwick Boseman’s words to his fellow alumni at Howard University’s commencement this weekend. Look, people of color face adversity every day. Sometimes it’s hard to do what Michelle told us. But any smart person knows that since racism, discrimination and marginalization are just as American as apple pie, these systems are damn near impossible to dismantle. If a generation of students use their education to change the mindset of the Susans, well, we may not be able to completely bring down the house, but we can wreck a few shops.
Chadwick Boseman photo courtesy of Howard University/Facebook and woman on phone photo courtesy of Michelle Dione/YouTube.

Tanesha Peeples

Tanesha Peeples is driven by one question in her work—“If not me, then who?” As the former Deputy Director of Activist Development for brightbeam, Tanesha merges the worlds of communications and grassroots activism to push for change in the public education system. Her passion for community and relentless mission for justice and liberation drive her in uplifting and amplifying the voices and advocacy of those that are often ignored. Tanesha wholeheartedly believes that education is the foundation for success. Her grand vision is one where everyone—regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender or ZIP code—can have access to a comfortable quality of life and enjoy the freedoms and liberties promised to all Americans. And that's what she works towards every day.

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