The Rule, Not the Exception

This Article is drawn from a larger body of work that was authored with the same title, this article captures a chapter in the wider story of what it meant to come of age while the country came apart.

Pioneers in the world of arts and culture, such as musicians like Louis Armstrong and Michael Jackson, have left a lasting impact on American society, challenging norms and pushing boundaries. These exceptional black men serve as a constant reminder of the immense talent, resilience, and potential that exists within the African American community. These are a few of the “exceptions” to the rule…….. I emphasize that greatly. This  is  not  their  story!

The story you are reading is about the average black man. A story of courage, and determination. A story about triumph and failure in an era of turmoil in the United States of America. Any black man born and raised in that time can plug and play themselves into at least one, if not all of the chapters in the originating story. This book excerpt blog is about the “average” black man, the “Rule” and “Exception” to that rule. It is about the average black man in a society cursed with bigotry, hatred, and supremacy. A black man shooting his shot, and how society has affected the outcome for the majority which are the Rule and not the Exception. 

On a stormy night, this young man, of wide-eyed innocence and boundless energy, took his first steps towards independence. At the tender age of eight, he strolled down the flooded streets towards his grandmother's house, a mere two blocks away from his own home. Dressed in his always clean hand-me-downs and shoes a size too big, he walked, noticing the rhythmic sound of his footsteps blending harmoniously with the distant melody of thunder claps and rushing water. His steps were light, as if he was floating on the wings of anticipation. With each passing stride, he reveled in the secret knowledge that tonight, he was embarking on an adventure of his own. 

The neighborhood, carrying a rich tapestry of moderate housing, provided a shadowy backdrop to his journey. He embraced the heritage and history that echoed through every wooden plank, every tin topped roof, and every corner store of his beloved community. As he approached his grandmother's house, the air was tinged with the comforting aroma of soul-soothing home-cooked meals, teasing his taste buds and enticing him with the promise of warmth and love. At the doorstep, he paused for a moment, his heart brimming with joy and delight. As he entered the loving embrace of his grandmother, he knew that this short but significant walk would forever be etched in his memory as the first steps towards growing up.

He was accustomed to but clearly did not understanding the nuances behind the separate water fountains, bathrooms, and eating stations that he saw in the beautiful stores from which they always entered from the back, when he went out with his parents.  Also, there was one greatly publicized incident, in particular, that stood out to him. Martin Luther King Jr. had been killed. At the tender age of eight, this curious young black youth was thrust into the harsh reality of racial inequality and injustice. As news of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination reached his ears, the profound impact of this loss did not weigh heavily on his young heart. He observed the grief and anger of his community, and though there were a lot of  raw emotions around him, he did not understand the magnitude of Dr. King's fight for equality, and the true meaning of his death.

Entering Middle school was a defining moment for him. As a black male, stepping foot into a desegregated school for the first time was an experience filled with mixed emotions. The unfamiliar surroundings and diverse student body immediately caught his attention, as this was a stark contrast to the all black elementary school he had attended before.

The family journeyed south, leaving the concrete jungle in the rearview, which he and his brothers enjoyed in the backwards facing rear seat of the station wagon. Mile after mile, the buildings shrank into the distance until they were mere specks on the horizon. As the urban backdrop vanished, a vast expanse of emerald-green fields came into view. He found himself captivated by the endless land stretching out before him, each blade of grass beckoning him to a new world of possibilities.

Having grown up in the bustling streets of the urban city, he now finds himself amid a drastic change as he enrolls in a new school, he is excited and apprehensive about the transition, aware that he may stand out as “the new guy”. His resilient spirit propels him forward, ready to face the challenges head-on and forge new connections while embracing the beauty and serenity of his new surroundings. In this unfamiliar territory, his journey of self-discovery unfolds, as he navigates the stereotypes, misconceptions, and prejudices he encounters. 

After noticing the intense gazes he received at the country store he quickly made his purchase and headed back down the one mile walk toward home. Not far from home he noticed a pick up truck pull up beside him. On the back of the truck were four young white men, who hurled racial comments at him and even threatened him with what appeared to him to be the biggest sticks or pipes he had ever seen a person carry.

To better understand what was happening in his life he started a lifelong  pursuit of reading and researching everything he could on racism in America. In the parent writing to this article are the bulleted items of fact listed as truisms on his findings. These surmised facts are in his own words based on years of cumulative findings.

Following Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights movement, there was indeed a significant backlash in America. This backlash was rooted in deep-seated racism, fear, and resistance to change among certain segments of the population. Here are some key examples of backlash:

• Political Opposition

• Violence and Intimidation

• White Flight

• Media Criticism

• FBI Surveillance and Smear Campaigns

• Resistance to Affirmative Action

After Barack Obama's presidency, there was a notable backlash in America, particularly among conservative and right-wing individuals. Some of the key elements of this backlash included:

• Tea Party Movement

• Birther Movement

• Opposition to Obamacare

• Opposition to Immigration Policies

• Racial Tension and Identity Politics

• Republican Congressional Resistance

It is important to note that the Original Document for this article was written over two years ago, and it still mirrors to the exact point what is still happening in America today, But back to the story!

Later as a soldier he was remarkable. A 19-year-old black male who stands tall and proud as he stands at attention for guard mount inspections in the esteemed Army. With an unwavering dedication to excellence, he has acquired a reputation for constantly winning, leaving his peers in awe of his accomplishments. Possessing an innate sense of discipline and an exceptional attention to detail, he ensures that every aspect of his inspection is flawlessly executed. As he effortlessly exhibits an unwavering commitment to his duty and a consistent track record that are both a testament to his proven abilities and strong work ethic These making him a role model not just within the Army but also beyond its ranks.

Despite years of exemplary service, his resolve was still tested like never before. It started as isolated incidents: subtle remarks and dismissive glances from his superiors. At first, he dismissed them, choosing to believe they were merely products of ignorance. But as time passed, the prejudice against him grew more overt and detrimental. 

He left the military, and still carried with him a sense of determination to effect change, not within the armed forces but within society as a whole. He vowed to tell his story, not in bitterness, but with the hope that by shedding light on the injustice he faced, future generations could enjoy a more inclusive and equitable world. Little did he know that his journey was far from over. The obstacles he faced within the military paled in comparison to the battles he would fight outside its borders. Luckily he had armed himself with resilience, compassion, and an unwavering spirit.

He took on several roles after that which all seemed to carry the same motif or resistance. From work such as a stock clerk at a local hardware store where he was promised promotion after effecting change in shipping and receiving operations, to Operations Manager at a large Distribution Center where, after turning that failing facility to a 5 star operation he was down sized out of his position, and on to much later becoming a highly endorsed Territory Business Consultant for a fortune 500 company where the micro and macro aggressions affected his health and forced his early retirement at only 55 years old.

This story, like for so many others in life, is of resilience and determination. It depicts a struggle against the harsh realities of racism and bigotry, seen through the lens of one man hoping to embrace the exception, even as it eluded his grasp. His story serves as a reminder that while the world may try to box individuals into categories of rule or exception, the true measure of human worth lay in the defiance of those limits, in the ceaseless pursuit of dreams beyond the boundaries of prejudice.

The story of this man brings to life a harsh reality. Though the official narrative says that all black people can achieve and affluent life, while using the examples set by an exceptional few. The truth is that systematic racism keeps the majority of black and probably brown folk from achieving the same American dream that is promised in the very laws that govern the land.