The Soultown! Volume III: Issue 2 FEBRUARY 2019 | Page 29

THE SANKOFA VOW
Should I Be the Expert On the “N” Word?
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - It never fails. By
default, I am always the expert on the “n” word.
I am not sure if it is because I am the only Black
person in the room? Because I wear my hair
in a natural dreadlocked form? Because my
skin is the darkest? Because my choice of
jewelry reflects the Motherland? Because I am
a conscious poet? Or am I really the expert on
the “n” word?
While at work recently, I was immersed in a
tech project with a group of Latino youth. One
of my Black colleagues asked me if I could take
a moment to explain the history of the “n” word
to a separate group of Latino boys. He gave
me some background. The group of four were
having a social discussion and one of them
used the “n” word. My colleague was admittedly
offended but instead of responding, he chose
to enter into my space and request that I offer a
lesson on the history of the word.
I took a deep breath. On my inhale, I was
disappointed that after relocating to one of
the most diverse states in the country, this
lesson still needs to be taught. On my exhale,
I was disappointed that I was chosen to teach
the lesson for a fellow Black colleague who
believed he lacked the skills to handle such a
responsibility.
I began, “If you truly knew what the “n” word
meant to my ancestors, you’d NEVER use it
unless, of course, you feel the same hatred for
Black people as our oppressors.”
I tried to keep it brief, yet I had hoped the
expression on my face would leave a footprint
in their photographic memories. The lesson
detailed such facts as the “n” word being
the only word in the English language was
created with such diabolical hatred towards
a specific people: my people. It is a word that
has inflicted psychological trauma directly
linked to internalized oppression. So many of
my ancestors suffered after having that hateful
word hurled at them over and over again that
ultimately, they began to accept the supposed
inferiority. It is degrading and it is insulting. My
ancestors and I are reminded of this everytime
the word was used then and is used today. I
added that when some Black people hear this
word there is an internal pain like a piercing to
the heart. To some Black people, when the “n” is
heard we are reminded of tragedies, the mental
terrorism and mental images of lynchings,
castrations, and whippings.
Whoa! I could tell from the blank stares that I
had gotten way too deep for this group. This is
when I stopped the historical part of the lesson.
The lesson took a turn. I decided it had to
be less about the history and more about their
personal responsibility regarding their use of
words. Not just the “n” word, but profanity,
other racial slurs, and terms that are
meant to destroy. I addressed the use
of the word in music. Rappers who
use this word have forgotten its origin.
They have also forgotten the power and
influence they have with their fans and
sadly, they have forgotten the path their
ancestors paved for them. However,
I encouraged the group of four to be
different than their musical idols and I
could tell from the blank stares that
I had gotten way too deep for
this group.
I dared them to have their own minds and
respect the people who can hear their words. I
guaranteed them that their respect would earn
them respect. I also begged them not to be
afraid to ask questions but to always dissect the
answers.
I feel compelled to share my belief that the
proper teaching of appropriate, respectful
language should come from a person who loves
words and practices the art of owning their
words, socially and professionally. I have come
to the conclusion I am NOT just the expert on
the “n” word, I must be the expert on ALL words.
I am da conscious poet who owns her words,
both socially and professionally.
I am Chillin, the Innovative Extraordinaire
for The Soultown, and this is the Sankofa
Vow. I thank my colleagues for choosing me
to be their expert on the “n” word and for
having SOUL! ,
CHILLIN’
INNOVATIVE EXTRAORDINAIR E
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