black americans situational awareness is in trouble

Black Americans often confront the lingering legacy of early Reconstruction-era values embedded in our country's social and political structures. When we enter spaces historically unwelcoming or exclusionary, it can be jarring to face outcomes that do not meet our hopes or expectations. Yet, what should we truly expect from a system that has been slow to change and often resistant to full inclusion? While some of our history includes struggles advocating for socialism or collective uplift, those ideals have only taken root on the margins. Most Black Americans are simply striving for better communities, greater respect, and equitable opportunities in everyday life.

The simple act of making eye contact with a fellow American can become a powerful signal of awareness—whether you are the sole representative in a room or feeling tokenized can profoundly shape your experience and decisions. How and where we invest our time and energy, hand in hand, can either reinforce division or promote unity. By consciously controlling these dynamics, we create opportunities to dismantle fear of the unknown and foster genuine cooperation. In this way, shared understanding and deliberate engagement can break down systemic barriers and build a society where everyone feels seen and valued.