THE JUDGEMENTAL MIND

- by Sam David

​Some time ago, I fell in love with a historically Black university -- in part, because I sort of got caught up in the university's fascinating backstory. It wasn't long before I found myself professionally and passionately committed to donating my time, talent and tenacity to help that small educational facility in any possible way that I could. Of course, I'm of White ethnicity, but even so, when I self-reflect, I see my indomitable spirit. I am tough as nails. I don't need pep talks or probationary dry runs; my strength (and faith) comes from within. Equally important, I have no ulterior motive other than to create a meaningful and purposeful and productive next chapter in my life, as I relocate Black World Studios to the East Coast.

As an abandoned child who was not of the Black race, I was raised by two Black women during two decades when "family diversity" was a foreign word. We'd regularly travel to the AME Church on Sunday morning's (which explains my love of gospel music). During my high school years, I was privileged to be privately schooled with children of international races (whose parents were affiliated with the United Nations). In short, I do not know from racial or religious or even sexual prejudice; my tumultuous childhood and fractured upbringing was simply too different and too unique. It stands to reason that through the years, I embraced -- and have represented -- human beings regardless of the shade of their skin, regardless of their religious preferences or their sexual orientation. 

To believe that I cannot relate to the Black experience, to believe that I cannot relate to the Black religious experience, to believe that I cannot relate to the Black church, to believe that I cannot relate to a black educational facility, and to believe that I cannot relate to Black slavery because one assumes that these "talking points" were not a part of my unconventional childhood and out-of-the-ordinary life experiences... well, that absolutely is not true. You did not walk in my shoes. You did not live my uncommon life. And for sure, you do not understand my passions and activism for racial and cultural unity. Because for me, such matters as race and race relations are incredibly intense, and my sense of injustice so powerfully and overwhelmingly profound.