I left Nigeria 25 years ago—but America just sees me as black
It stings, but doesn’t surprise.
No criminal charges were brought yesterday against the New York City police officer who tussled with a black man and the latter ended up dead.
I wasn’t even mildly surprised.
By now, I know better. I moved to New York 25 years ago and spent most of that time as a reporter covering the city. I have investigated stories on corruption and the misuse of funds that have resulted in some serious consequences for people, including getting fired.
The death of Eric Garner—placed in a chokehold by an officer in a fight over loose cigarettes— was caught on video, though. I saw it and knew nothing would happen. Perhaps I am jaded.
Journalists hold up the mirror to our societies. We don’t have to like what is looking back at us.
New Yorkers have reacted with demonstrations. More than 30 people were arrested yesterday. More protests are expected today. Thousands are tweeting and Facebooking their fury.
America is having another racial moment. I’ve covered these before. And yet I’m still left wondering why, in 2014, black men scare the bejesus out of white police officers.
I suspect most Africans of my generation aren’t conscious of race until we have this awkward dance with her after we’ve settled in the first world.
Growing up in Nigeria, I was an Asaba man first. My ethnic identity was a source of pride. While I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, I wasn’t Yoruba.
http://qz.com/306377/i-left-nigeria-25-years-ago-but-america-just-sees-me-as-black/
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