[blackgirldev]

I am a black person and I have similar feelings even though I grew up middle class and privileged.

I am very afraid of police, become anxious in any federal building, and I am nervous at airports and their security setups.

My brother and I were forced to grow up early, given we could be accosted by police at any time for any reason.

The first time I had a rear headlight out and was stopped by the police, I was put in handcuffs and placed in the back seat of the police car. There was absolutely no reason whatsoever for this precaution.

When I go to my hometown, I go back to feelings of isolation and loneliness, and where I was never invited to parties, and spent entire summers alone at the library.