BLACK-ISH: MY KENYAN-AMERICAN STORY (BY SHARON FROM UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND)

Hey everyone, I'm Sharon and I'm a new contributor to the Nerdy Naturals blog. I'm a rising sophomore Criminology and Criminal Justice major from Baltimore, MD. I love music, it's a part of my everyday life. I live, breathe, and eat it, along with binge watching TV shows--that's mostly what my day consists of.  I'm an energetic soul that's very passionate about debate, a loyal friend, and I love to make connections. In my near future, I see myself at a law firm, as a prominent attorney. I might even open up my own firm someday. I'm even considering going the commissioned officer route into becoming an attorney in the Army (that's still up in the air). There's still a lot of uncertainties but all I know for sure is that my future will be bright.

Sharon
Contributor

Twitter: @SKimemia
Instagram: @skimemia
Snapchat: skimemia

In light of this year’s BET Awards, I was inspired to talk about blackness and what it means to be black.

(the meanest eye roll.)

Contrary to what many people believe, black people come in various combos. Mine had some Kenyan in it. And until I started school, I didn't know how much that side of me would impact my entire life. In my elementary school, being African was like having a disease. We were called all the names in the book (yes that included “African Booty Scratcher”--whatever that means.) and at that age, my clap back skills weren’t fully developed yet so I would normally dismiss them with the meanest eye roll.

Although I never showed it, it bothered me that I was was never accepted as a “normal person” in that environment. Being born in America but still having pure Kenyan blood became a real headache when I was African at school, but then I would go home and be called a pure American.

But as I got older, I began to realize my identity as a Kenyan American. Around the time I was in high school, I got to learn about my Kenyan roots a lot more (I spent almost an entire year in Kenya with my Mom) and gained a lot more knowledge about African American history. In Fall 2016, I attended UMD and met some truly amazing people. Here I realized how being black means not to be defined by the stereotypes that society has constricted us in. Being black means embodying the struggle that comes with our color and using it to motivate you and everyone around you to become the best “you” you can be.

There’s still a lot I’m learning about identity and I can’t wait to grow as a Kenyan American. This is my personal experience and may not be the same as others, but the comment section is open to everyone to share their own experience. Or, you can tweet me @SKimemia.

Thank you so much for reading! Also, be sure to follow the Nerdy Naturals blog on Twitter @NerdyNaturals01!

Sharon is a rising sophomore Criminology and Criminal Justice major from Baltimore, MD. You can contact her on any of the social media sites above (in the caption near her picture). You can also email nerdynaturals@gmail.com if you have any questions or are interested in contributing. #staynatural.