gathering in large numbers on the beach while black

[Demovictory9]

On August 27, 2018, Christina (Chris) and Snap welcomed over 300 women of color to Belmar, New Jersey for what was supposed to be a lovely day of fellowship. However, where two or more people of color are gathered, the police will gather too. Why? Because we’re living while Black in 2018 and that’s just how America works. Honestly, it’s the way it’s always worked.

Within five minutes of arriving on the beach in Belmar, Chris and many of her Black Girl Beach Day guests claim were approached by officers who questioned their presence and right to play music and frolic on the beach in peace. To have Black Girl Beach Day co-founder, Chris tell it, “It’s manufactured fear. They see us in groups and they’re afraid of us.” She continues, “Why are rules only being applied to certain groups of people, but not to everyone? It felt very unfair. It felt like a slap in the face.”

https://www.essence.com/news/living-while-black-when-black-girl-beach-day-goes-wrong/

[pansypoo53219]

1. MAGA! making amerika white again!

[Solomon]

2. So sick of this shit. What the fuck can you do on a beach?

And watch how many "Americans" vote to continue this kind of shit come November.

[VOX]

3. "It's manufactured fear. They see us in groups and they're afraid of us."

This is perhaps our saddest cultural wound, and one that is never allowed to heal over. Since this country was founded, blacks were never allowed a seat at the table (literally and figuratively).

I was brought up in a large, diverse city, and went to school with white kids, Japanese American kids, Chicano kids, African American kids-- and I never gave it a second's thought as being strange, or frightening, or anything other than "normal." Had a 35-year career as a state university administrator, same thing. No big deal, just people.

Unfortunately, my experience of being born and raised in progressive California is quite unlike what goes on in more homogenous areas. It's a miserable shame, because we ALL have something positive and interesting to share with one another. As JFK said, "We all breathe the same air."