We may not be described in the United States Constitution as 3/5's of a man, but the alarming number of Black and brown bodies that are detained and/or murdered by

police makes us feel less than human. There is a disproportionately higher rate of incarceration, profiling and deaths at the hands of police. And when you're Black in America, it's

as if a target is on your back.

Being a single Black woman in America is treated like everything less than a prize. Studies show that African-American women are less desirable, despite being educated, self-sufficient and independent. Instead

of being recognized for their wonderful traits, Black women and girls continue to be undervalued. It is as if the "angry Black women" stereotype is expected, and a well-practiced response

is already given. 

Whether or not Black women have it worse in this country than Black men isn't a debate we're interested in having. What is worth a note is the fact that

despite making up just 12.9 percent of the U.S. population, in 2014, constituted 2.3 million, or 34%, of the total 6.8 million correctional population ...mostly for nonviolent offenses. Yes,

there's been a push to decriminalize certain drugs like marijuana in the country, but more needs to be done. Black men are not cattle.

African-American children continue to lag behind their White counterparts when it comes to education. We perform at disproportionately lower rates regarding test scores and are five times more likely

to be disciplined than White students. It is up to us to invest in our youth, otherwise they will grow up to go through an unfair justice system. 

We all know that the system ...the judicial system, the prison system, the justice system is skewed to stack the odds against us. Being Black in America means that we

continue to fight despite the odds. We do not willingly accept the hand that has been dealt; we push through because our success as a whole depends on it. #BlackLivesMatter.

Our children's lives matter. Our fight matters. Stay woke and stay in the game. We will prevail.