The Untold Stories Of Being Young Black In America That Will Leave You Speechless

Life as a young black person in America can be a mix of joys, triumphs, and achievements, but it can also be filled with pain, discrimination, and obstacles that are hard to comprehend for those who haven't experienced them. In this eye-opening article, we delve deep into the stories of being young, Black, and navigating the complexities of American society.

Discrimination and Racial Profiling

Racial discrimination remains a fundamental issue faced by young Black individuals in America. Stories of racial profiling, whether it be in the form of unfair treatment by law enforcement, being followed around in stores, or experiencing microaggressions, are alarmingly prevalent.

One heartbreaking account comes from Jamal, a young Black man who was stopped by the police for a routine traffic stop. Instead of treating him respectfully, he was unjustifiably searched and interrogated, causing immense anxiety and fear.

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America

by Ibi Zoboi (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2546 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	407 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Another young individual, Maya, shares her experiences of being targeted in stores solely based on the color of her skin. Despite never causing any trouble, she regularly finds herself being closely watched and even accused of theft.

Education Disparity

The education system in America often presents significant challenges for young Black students. The disparities in resources, quality, and opportunities between predominantly white schools and predominantly Black schools can be staggering.

Kevin, a young Black student, recounts how his inner-city school lacked essential tools and resources for learning, leaving him feeling neglected and unprepared for the future. In contrast, his white counterparts from schools in wealthier communities had access to advanced technology, experienced teachers, and well-funded extracurricular programs.

Unequal Job Opportunities

Obtaining employment can be a daunting task for young Black individuals in America. Seemingly insurmountable barriers hinder their ability to secure well-paying jobs and further their careers.

Ashley, a young Black woman, details her struggles of facing biased hiring practices and workplace discrimination. Despite having a stellar educational background, she continually faces rejection or is offered positions with lower pay and fewer growth opportunities compared to her white counterparts with similar qualifications.

Police Brutality and Injustice

The stories of young Black individuals facing police brutality and the lack of justice can be emotionally overwhelming. These incidents, painfully familiar in Black communities, often leave lasting scars and create a deep mistrust in the criminal justice system.

Michael, a young Black man, shares his traumatic experience of being unjustifiably beaten by the police during a peaceful protest. Despite multiple witnesses and video evidence, the officers were not held accountable for their actions, leaving Michael feeling betrayed and hopeless.

Building Resilience and Hope

Although these stories shed light on the dark realities faced by young Black individuals in America, they also exemplify the strength, resilience, and determination that many possess.

From organizing grassroots movements to pursuing higher education and careers against all odds, young Black individuals are fighting to change the narrative and create a more equitable future. Their stories of triumph and perseverance serve as a beacon of hope for generations to come.

The experiences of being young, Black, and living in America are powerful narratives that need to be shared and understood. By listening to these stories, we can begin to dismantle systemic racism, promote equality, and work towards a society where color is not a barrier to success.

It is imperative to amplify these voices and use our collective power to bring about meaningful change. Let's join hands in the fight against racial injustice, raising awareness, and working towards a future where each young Black life is celebrated and respected.

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America

by Ibi Zoboi (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2546 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	407 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Edited by National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi, and featuring some of the most acclaimed bestselling Black authors writing for teens today—Black Enough is an essential collection of captivating stories about what it’s like to be young and Black in America. A selection of the Schomburg Center's Black Liberation Reading List.

Black is...sisters navigating their relationship at summer camp in Portland, Oregon, as written by Renée Watson.

Black is…three friends walking back from the community pool talking about nothing and everything, in a story by Jason Reynolds.

Black is…Nic Stone’s high-class beauty dating a boy her momma would never approve of.

Black is…two girls kissing in Justina Ireland’s story set in Maryland.

Black is urban and rural, wealthy and poor, mixed race, immigrants, and more—because there are countless ways to be Black enough.

Contributors:
Justina Ireland
Varian Johnson
Rita Williams-Garcia
Dhonielle Clayton
Kekla Magoon
Leah Henderson
Tochi Onyebuchi
Jason Reynolds
Nic Stone
Liara Tamani
Renée Watson
Tracey Baptiste
Coe Booth
Brandy Colbert
Jay Coles
Ibi Zoboi
Lamar Giles