Lesson №1 for Being a Black American, Don’t Call the Police When You’re in Trouble

Atatiana Jefferson was shot dead by police in her home. (YouTube)

I wasn’t born in America. I immigrated here when I was 21, after living in Nigeria and Britain. But I consider myself to be part of the African American community. In fact, until I open my mouth and speak with a British accent, you wouldn’t know I’m not a native African American.

However, living in America as a black person means you have to learn to live by certain rules. These rules can literally save your life. You learn to be very careful about driving while black. I learned to always try to have my papers correct and with me, because you’re going to be pulled over. It’s even worse if you drive a high-end car. I have friends who drive Mercedes-Benzes and they always get shadowed by the police.

I had a situation where a family member had an emotional meltdown and was preventing medical workers from helping another family member. I thought about calling the police, but then I remembered all the stories I had written about black people who have called the police, to help deal with a family member with a mental issue, only for officers to show up and…