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To be African American means to be constantly looked at like you have two heads or that they should be afraid of you.

To be African American means to walk into a store and have people look at you like a criminal.

To be African American means living in constant fear that I never know when I might die just because in don't look like the person next to me.

To be African American means that you’re constantly subjected to years and years of oppression and hate.

To be African American means that you NEED to be proud of your culture and ultimately to be proud of yourself.

To be African American means that I don't look for your praise or for your acceptance. 

To be African American means to be me without being held back by white america.

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