As a POC (Person of Color), first generation American Chinese, I have walked and continue to walk in the path of racial discrimination, directly as well as indirectly.

While my path may not be the same as other POC, we are still walking THAT path.

From preconceptions about my “Asian-ness,” to blatant comments about my ethnicity, to the "privileged" asking ignorant questions such as "You must be half..." as if to justify their acceptance of me... well, this is my way of life.

In my lifetime, I have yet to see true acceptance of any POC. I’m sorry, but that is the truth, and I'm not sure I will see it in my lifetime.

But I am confident in who I am. I am proud of my ethnicity, and I will continue to cry for my fellow POC subjected to violence, ignorance and misconception simply because of their skin color, knowing MY hands are tied because of MY skin color.

So protest, but peacefully.

Judge, but fairly.

Be angry, but with understanding.

Fight, but with compassion.

Love, unconditionally.

And treat each other as we all are—human beings.

Patt Mosley is a marketing consultant, breast cancer survivor and a Person of Color.

Photo by Ashton Bingham on Unsplash