The Black Room (DEI): Reflections on Resilience, Racism, and the Road to Equality

I’m a Black man living in America. I have no felonies, and I’m good at what I do — many would even say I’m great. From the outside looking in, I might seem successful. But success doesn’t always feel successful. The truth is it’s really difficult to be black and work in America. There’s always more to reach for, another layer to prove, another expectation to exceed. The key, beautiful people, is this: sometimes, the best way to grow is to nurture your gifts in private, letting them develop without the pressure of outside judgment. I have goals that far exceed where I am today.

There was a time when COVID-19 swept across the world, killing millions and tearing through cities. I was working at a news affiliate then, closely following the turmoil that defined those days. Some folks took the virus seriously; others didn’t. And those who didn’t — well, many of them would later feel the deepest grief. Then came the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis. The impact was seismic. I visited his memorial, spoke with locals, and witnessed the neighborhood’s resilience. Residents stood strong and united, defending the memorial as a symbol of strength and solidarity. When politicians tried to put their hands on it, residents said, “No! You can change any other memorial, but this one is untouchable.”

In that week after Floyd’s death, images of him calling out for his mother were replayed over and over on national news. For Black journalists, it…