My personal experiences of assimilation, racism, and colorism were heavy loads for me to bear as a child growing up in a racist America. For me, the traumatization these experiences caused, created a space wherein I resented the most beautiful parts of my identity---being Haitian, being Black, and being dark-skinned.
I cannot pinpoint the exact moment I unapologetically walked into and pridefully owned my power and beauty as a Black woman. My self-acceptance happened gradually, but the sense of empowerment that has come with this type of self-love has been liberating and life-changing. I do know that it was a journey to achieve self-love.
Additionally, my career in law enforcement has also inspired me to tap into my voice and power as a Black woman. I am currently the first and only Black female police officer in a town that is older than America itself.
What is irreplaceable to me is my identity. In my fight for social justice it often feels that I am being forced to pick a side. I am more than my brown skin and have much more depth than my blue uniform.