From one quiet black girl to another: You’re not alone

Originally published on Medium

When I see another quiet black girl, I’m surprised at first. Usually, I’m the only one in a room. After that, I think:

Welcome!
I’m just like you!

(Well not exactly like you, of course. But similar.)

Was your upbringing like mine?
Loud aunties connected by blood or culture talking over your low voice then commenting on how much you didn’t say?

And what’s wrong with quiet anyway!?

Is your personality like mine?
So many thoughts in your head sometimes
you miss the outside activity and don’t react
and people misjudge your silence for defiance?

Are you a chameleon too?
The only one brown person or one of a few?
Your silence makes you blend in easier somehow
But they still want more
More noise
As if quiet and capable are mutually exclusive.

Hey, quiet black girl.
I don’t have to hear you to see you.