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Yesterday I Did Not Pledge Allegiance To The Flag. I attended a community town hall in the San Fernando Valley and I decided not to participate in the pledge of allegiance. It was not planned. I just went with my heart. We’d walked in right as they were asking people to stand and recite the pledge. I promptly sat down and did not comply.
I’d followed along for the past 5 or so years. Not believing a damn word I uttered, but glibly reciting the pledge because it was the “right” thing to do. I would stand thinking “Why am I doing this? I don’t believe in this shit. It’s not meant for Black people.” There I was, playing the game. Being one of the flock. But at what point will you act when doing what you were taught conflicts with what you believe to be your truth?
I was nervous. Would the white people who hide their racism under the veil of patriotism see me and confront me about it? Would the people I was with shame me into standing up? Would they say “we’re doing the pledge, stand up.” Guess what, no one even acknowledged that I sat.
I was glad when it was over, but I as also proud of myself for living my truth and not pledging allegiance to a flag that symbolizes death, depression, oppression, and loss for every last one of my ancestors who were a part of the transatlantic slave trade. I did it for my immediate family. My family who live their lives afraid to shake the boat or are not aware.
I did it because Colin Kaepernick is a great example and his consistent act has made me less afraid to do act on what I had been thinking all these years. No longer am I going to put my right hand over my heart and recite some meaningless words I learned in kindergarten.
Out of 5 black people in the room, I was striking. I wore a red dress, my fro was super fleeky, and Yesterday I Did Not Pledge Allegiance To The Flag. I plan to keep doing it.
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