WHO WE ARE: ALEXIA BROWN
Sisters
“It’s meant going the extra mile to let my black students know that they are valuable, even though this world that we live in is too cowardly to acknowledge it.”
Q: What does being a sister mean to you in 2020?
A: Before this year, I ONLY considered myself a sister to my literal biological siblings, and my sorority sisters. Sure, at church we’d all refer to one another as “brother” and “sister” so-and-so, and sometimes random men in public would refer to me as “sister” when handing out a compliment, but I never really took any of that to heart. This year, there has been a newfound sense of comradery within the black community. We’ve all mourned the deaths of our brothers and sisters together. We’ve all healed and reopened wounds together time and time again, and it’s been heartwrenching.
So, for the first time, I feel like a sister to every black person that I see in public—every black person that I’m connected to through social media. I make it a point to smile and greet every brother and sister that I lock eyes with. I want them to know that I’m here feeling everything with them. Being a sister this year has meant pulling my car over and parking at a distance to stand-by every time I see someone who looks like me pulled over with an officer. It has meant being prepared for the worst at every moment of every day. It’s meant making every little sister that I see in the store feel seen, even if it’s with something as simple as a smile or a “I love your hair!” It’s meant going the extra mile to let my Black students know that they are valuable, even though this world that we live in is too cowardly to acknowledge it.
Q: How have the injustices against the black community impacted your view of family?
A: I’m going to be super transparent here, so I’m sorry if this is too negative. This year has scarred me. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted nothing more than to start a family of my own. I’ve always wanted to be someone’s wife and mother. I’ve been dreaming about my future children since before I was even old enough for thinking about babies to be acceptable. But this year has traumatized me. And, don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I was under the impression that this country was a good place before this year—the injustices against our community have been going on since our ancestors stepped foot on to this country. America has always been corrupt, but this year has felt like a perpetual dark cloud of disappointment, and constant personal attacks. Not a day goes by that I don’t worry about my little brother walking down the street and being seen as a threat. Or my boyfriend not coming home to be because some white person decided that his life didn’t matter… It’s terrifying.
As much as I worry about the people who are already in my life, I can’t FATHOM the thought of bringing little humans into this world and having to live in a constant state of anxiety over their well-beings. Not over, you know, the normal stuff like making sure that they eat, scheduling regular doctor’s visits, and making sure to fiscally set them up for successful futures… no. Having to live in constant anxiety because, to this world, their lives won’t matter. The simple thought of that sends me spiraling, so I can’t imagine what actual real-life parents go through. Basically, this year has impacted my view of family because it’s made me rethink creating one of my own… something that is VERY off-brand for me.
Q: How do you feel being a black woman in the world today?
A: Simply put, I feel untouchable—figuratively. I definitely feel the burden of being a part of an at-risk group. Black women are the most unprotected and disrespected group in society; and still, I somehow feel so phenomenal. Black women have really outdone ourselves this year and I love that for us. I’m so proud to be a black woman right now.
Q: What would you say to other young black sisters?
A: I’d tell them to read this poem by Leslé Honoré because it’s so inspiring:
“Brown girl brown girl
What do you see
I see a Vice President
That looks like me
Brown girl brown girl
What do you do
I fought I hoped
I spoke what was true
Brown girl brown girl
What do you know
That there are strong women
Who want me to grow
Brown girl brown girl
What do you feel
That #blackgirlmagic
Will help us all heal
Brown girl brown girl
What do you see
A world that sees my skin
before it sees me
Brown girl brown girl
Whatcha gonna do
March, fight and create
Till I make this world new
Brown girl brown girl
How are you so strong
'Cause I got Queens in my blood
To help push me along”
And then I’d tell them that they’re magical, and that they’re perfect, and that I love them!