The Dreamers Stance
February 1, 2019, I remember watching the A Lot music video. Thinking about how beautiful it was, the true definition of Black Excellence. It made me reminisce about my younger days, when I actually had family dinners. Precious moments I took for granted at that time of my life. I remember how ecstatic I was hearing 21’s extended verse for the first time. Hearing him speak out against the separations of families was so dope because I always felt like immigration was always an overlooked topic, especially in Hip-Hop culture. February 3rd, news broke that ICE had detained 21. As I read the headlines I felt like I was in that Rick and Morty parallel universe episode. We’re the same age, both black immigrants that moved to the states when we were kids, it wasn’t our choice to move here, and we both made Atlanta, Georgia home.
Growing up I use to tell everyone I was born in Maryland. I wasn’t ashamed about my Nigerian roots. It felt safer to represent Maryland, and easier to avoid any possible questions concerning my immigration status. It was my mechanism to protect my family and myself. I empathize with 21 Savage’s decision to keep his birthplace discrete.
Life is all about perspectives. I know it’s easier for me to understand because I’m going through a similar situation as a Nigerian Dreamer, but I want everyone to take a moment to put themselves in 21’s shoes. 21 isn’t thinking about the meme you just liked or reposted, he isn’t thinking about your perception of him. He’s thinking about his family, his children. He’s thinking about potentially being separated from everyone he loves. How do I know? I’m 21’s son, not exactly. My dad got deported when I was 13; we’ve been separated ever since. I’m 26 now, that’s thirteen years I haven’t seen my father. That’s the fate 21 and 800,000 plus immigrants are trying to avoid. This is more than harmless memes, this is real life, real people and real families being affected. Think of the people you love in your life, imagine being forcefully separated by circumstances out of your control.
I often think about my situation and wonder, why me? But why not me, I feel like I was chosen to be a voice and shed light on a situation that is often overlooked. I am a Black immigrant. This is bigger than me, bigger than 21, this is bigger than a wall, this is a nationwide dilemma. So I stand, ready to face all prejudice just for being who I am. So I stand, hand in hand with all my other brothers and sisters. So I stand, to make a way because one decision at a time makes a change. So I stand, I stand today.
FREE 21 Savage !!
Blessings,
Laolu Sanni