This week, a bailiff stopped me and acted as though I was in the wrong place as I walked through a portion of the courthouse that is restricted to attorneys and judges.
I'm an attorney. I was wearing a suit and conducting myself just like every other attorney in that area.
This is not the first time that has happened. I can think of several other instances in various counties where courthouse security has assumed that my black skin means I must not be an attorney.
I'm tired of it.
@eric Forgot to add, I live in a small "rural" town & they only hire black people b/c of EO and/or affirmative action. We have very few black people in our town & 99% do not stay b/c they don't have relatives here & well... I'm sure you can figure out the rest.
I was shocked when I moved here & realized what took place, it's like silent #racism , not sure that's even a term. Sickening.
@MiaLis79 I appreciate that, but I can't move and wouldn't really want to anyway.
I can't because I've built a law practice, bought an office building, and have kids who are doing well in their (quite good) school here on the IL/IA border.
I'm originally from Chicago and while I miss the food and reduced racism, there are still more pros than cons about where I live now. Plus, I would rather address this issue than leave it unaddressed for the future.
Still, it is frustrating.
@eric Completely understandable.
Glad to hear your kids are doing great in their school, that puts a smile on my face.
I can relate to missing good food when you move to a rural area.
And, good for you for deciding to address the issue vs. leaving. However, frustration is prob an understatement. Keep at it though!!!
Personally, I feel racism will recede faster when more white ppl join w/Black-brown people to help end it.
Eric Puryear
Lisa