Skin Deep: The Color of My America

??Listen to the Narration by Dr. Jae

Dear Family,

Thanks for stopping by. If you are here because you stumbled across my name, were curious about the title, or want to learn something from a different perspective, welcome… you came to the right place. I will consider you family because I get uncomfortable around strangers when discussing my complex relationship with America, its ideals, and ugly truths.

So I am writing in what I believe to be a safe space for us to critique, question, and learn together. It takes courage to confront uncomfortable truths about our society, especially when those truths challenge the very ideals that we hold dear. But it is only by acknowledging and reckoning with the injustices and lies of our past that can we move towards a more just and equitable future.

As you walk with me down this journey of healing, discovery, and my truth, let you listen with empathy and humility to those with an experience that may differ from your own. Challenge yourself to confront your biases and assumptions and actively work towards a society that values and uplifts all its members. The journey toward truth and justice may be difficult, but it is a journey worth taking for the sake of ourselves, our communities, and the future of our nation. So, thank you for your time and love…even if I don’t have it from you yet. I’m confident we will get there.

In the meantime, allow me to provide the context that serves as the foundation for my experiences. To be a Black man in America is to be constantly aware of the pervasive racism that permeates every aspect of society. It is to feel the weight of history and the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws that have left an indelible mark on this country. It is to be scrutinized, feared, and treated as a threat simply because of the color of your skin.

To live in this body is to bear witness to the countless injustices and atrocities that have been inflicted upon generations of Black Americans, from police brutality to systemic inequality in education, healthcare, and the criminal justice system. And yet, despite all of this, to be a Black man in America is also to be resilient, to draw strength from the struggles of our ancestors, and to work tirelessly towards a brighter future for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

The concept of Skin Deep: The Complexion of My America invites you to examine the complexities of racism in America by looking beyond the surface of our diverse and colorful society. Much like a beautifully painted mural that covers a cracked and weathered wall, the surface-level appearance of America’s racial harmony often masks the deep-seated and enduring challenges of racism that lie beneath.

Although we have made progress in acknowledging and celebrating our differences, the roots of historical oppression and systemic discrimination continue to shape the opportunities and experiences of various racial and ethnic groups…and, from my perspective, specifically, Black people.

The phrase “skin deep” serves as a reminder that to address and dismantle racism in America truly, we must delve deeper, examining the underlying structures and attitudes that continue to perpetuate inequality. Only by acknowledging and confronting these hidden complexities can we begin to build a more equitable and genuinely inclusive society.

Growing up as a Black boy in America during the 90s, hip-hop culture was an experience like no other. The era’s music, fashion, and attitude were an expression of our collective voice and identity, a celebration of our culture, and a rebellion against the mainstream. We idolized the likes of Jay-Z, Nas, Tupac, and Biggie, their lyrics speaking to our lives’ realities and our struggles. We rocked our baggy jeans and oversized t-shirts, our kicks fresh out the box, and our fitted caps tilted to the side.

We embraced the spirit of the culture, the confidence and charisma it instilled in us, and the sense of community it fostered. It was a time of empowerment, creativity, and of unapologetic Blackness. And though the 90s are now a thing of the past, the impact of hip-hop culture on my life and the world around us is still felt today, a testament to the enduring power of Black creativity and innovation.

The spirit of this era in society anchors my lived experience and perspective and hopefully gives you some context to better understand the prism that I look through. Storytelling has always been an integral part of American society, from the Native American tradition of oral storytelling to the modern-day mediums of literature, film, and television. I believe that stories are what make us human.

One of the most significant benefits of storytelling is its ability to create empathy and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds. Through stories, we can step into someone else’s shoes, experience their perspective, and gain a deeper appreciation for their struggles and triumphs. This is an invaluable tool for fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose in a country as diverse as America.

So, join me in sharing my transformative journey of healing, self-discovery, and honesty about?my?America. In an ever-evolving world, it is critical that we unite as a nation to cultivate a more equitable society for all. Embracing our diverse tapestry of cultures, beliefs, and perspectives, we must harness the power of solidarity to break down barriers that have long perpetuated injustice and disparity.

By sharing my vulnerability, I hope you lean in and engage in an open dialogue and genuine understanding. I believe that together we can create an environment where empathy transcends our differences, allowing us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the pursuit of a shared vision.

Through collective action, we can empower each individual to reach their full potential, illuminating the path toward a brighter, more inclusive future that celebrates the strength of our unity and the boundless possibilities that emerge when we work together in harmony. Often, the most challenging step forward is the first.

So, let’s take that first step… and many more together.

Thank you for your time today. Talk to you soon…

Much Love,

Dr. Jae

?? Watch the Behind the Scenes Below ????