I have a Southern Lady inside of me. She’s a contrarian. That’s like being a white witch of sorts. Not in the Narnia sense so much as as the tribal medicine woman way. Urban white Memphians understand tribal culture more than most. It’s similar to what feeling like a minority is. Looking for a place to belong when we can’t get comfortable. Skin color is the only difference when you grow up in North Memphis. While the rest of the world tells you it isn’t.

I’m not always from the places I speak about. I’m privileged and protected. I’m aware of it and have no shame perpetuating my existence. As long as I can protect the freedom to speak your mind I feel I have purpose. Not everyone gets that. Either they speak freely or have nothing to say. I see the entire world at a refracted angle. Highly contrasted, more simple, more severe. I either speak or die. I write for the hope that someone will benefit from reading.

You are not alone.