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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UWindsor chapter.

I am not your Black friend.

Why?

Because Iā€™m a person who has other characteristics in my personality other than the fact that I am part of a minority group.

Understandably, itā€™s difficult to be in my shoes and not be worried that everything around you is turning into a race thing. But it is still my responsibility to let you know that I am not your Black friend.

I am not your Black friend who will educate you on the extensive trials of racism that extend from the Black community into many other races. I will not recall the instances where I or other Black peopleĀ  have had to fight for our rights, to prove to you that I have had discriminations pitted against me.

I am not your Black friend who happens to play a nicer, different role from the stereotypes seen in the movie, or one that happens to be more White washed than the ā€˜average Black person.ā€™

I am not the diversity character you can hang around with to show you are cultured and not racist, nor will I be the one to ever give you the (n-word) pass.

I will not be the excuse for your injustice related actions. I am not the one who will constantly explain why you canā€™t touch my hair, why you should respect me or remind you that Black people come from all corners of the world and not just Africa.

I am not your Black friend who will be the one to tolerate your ā€œAfrica is a safari and hut countryā€ comments without reprimanding you on the many great people and things that have come out of that continent to support yours.

I will not re-educate on the history of minoritiesā€™ endless struggle with police and government that still fluctuates day by day or re-assure you that this history doesnā€™t apply to you. I will not ignore your ignorance if you give an apology for your appropriation of my culture.

I will not stand for your joking, racist remarks to all people, as well as your unwillingness to learn about the difficulties of being Black. I will not remind you of the struggles we as a community face or tell you to support us and be there for me, as you are entitled to your own opinion.

But I will warn you about who I am as a Black person and the role that I must play in a world that is hesitant towards other cultures. I will tell you of my support not just for the Black community, but the Hispanic, Asian, and Indigenous communities who struggle to get their foot through the door of equality and respect.

But, you should still know thatā€¦

I am not your Black friend. Period.

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Amandine Soho

UWindsor '24

Amandine Soho is currently a writer at the Her Campus UWindsor Chapter. Her content typically focuses on global issues, entertainment, and personal experiences. She has been a member since 2021, using this opportunity to grow her writing skills. Currently, Amandine is a fourth-year student at the University of Windsor, majoring in Forensics and Criminology, with a minor in Communication, Media, and Film. She is also the president of the Caribbean and African Organization of Students, where she helps curate events for Black students to find an inclusive community that welcomes them, on campus. In addition, Amandine is part of the Mentorship in Forensics program that allows her to guide a mentee in their academics and current exploration of careers in forensics. In her spare time, she loves talking about everything and nothing, watching TV shows and movies, writing fictitious stories, and eating all types of food (except black licorice and eggplant). She doesn't know how but she hopes to inspire someone one day.