To the Editor:
Re “I’m a Black American Refugee,” by Tiffanie Drayton (Sunday Review, June 14):
Ms. Drayton wrote a heart-wrenching profile of the racism that caused her to flee America for the refuge of Trinidad and Tobago. As a fellow black American, I feel that urge all the time. But as a direct descendant of enslaved Texans, I have no other home. And I don’t intend to leave.
Like the music we created or helped create — jazz, blues, hip-hop, rock ’n’ roll — black Americans like me are a uniquely American creation. We are the product of enslaved people and slaveholders. America was built on our backs, and great wealth was generated at our expense.
But the reality of being a black American cannot be reduced to our misery. This denies us our humanity and our leadership role in the building and betterment of America. Despite our ongoing struggle, beauty, creativity, joy and amazing strength spring from our experiences and daily lives.
America has finally discovered Juneteenth, which my family has celebrated my entire life. I feel it is important to recognize the humanity and complexity of the black American experience. Like Langston Hughes, “I, too, am America,” and I don’t intend to leave.
Ginger McKnight-Chavers
Bronxville, N.Y.