Black Lives Illuminate Lives

It was one of those “love at first sight” movie moments.

(Written in 2020)

Since moving to the “big city” of Adelaide from the “red-planet” of Whyalla at age 8, all of my close friendships, and memorable interactions have been with people from non-white backgrounds; and I thank the stars for it; because those moments have been the sparkle in my sky.

I’ll never forget the moment I first spotted a new girl at school; from South Africa. As I stood centre of the basketball court, she stood centre of a huddle; drawing eyes all over; as she gleamed with the energy of a jester or a playful pup. It was one of those “love at first sight” movie moments.

Soon enough, she joined me and my best friend (a recent migrant of Ethiopia), as we formed a trio who danced through every recess and lunch; and again in our bedrooms; and of course at the school disco, and talent quest.

Other migrants of Africa at our school were just as enchanting. I felt at home with them. Had they not arrived; I’d have been the outsider I became in high school; where diversity and/or harmony lacked. I wasn’t going to fake inclusion into the mainstream groups who seemed to focus on conflict and status.

Through these early friendships I discovered the most important things in life; to smile, to laugh, to dance, to sing, to be brave, to speak your mind.

That “love at first sight” feeling must have been a love for love. Those girls seemed to have an early developed love for themselves; and were capable of sharing that joy with anyone who was willing to receive it. Perhaps when you travel as far as Africa to Australia; self-love is the best and only thing to hold onto.

I also discovered my preference in physical beauty, early on. Dark skin and brown eyes have always struck me most. My first crush was on my Ethiopian best friend’s cousin. All I remember about him now is that he had double-jointed arms, which won him points in every backstage dance-off!

Last year, another one of those “love at first sight” moments arose when I spotted a new co-worker through the kitchen pass. She was the new barista, and I knew immediately I wanted to befriend her.

Perhaps this recent moment of awe arose because she reminded me of my old friends, but most probably I could sense our compatibility due to her radiant soul. She is an Indigenous Australian, and is part of my latest friendship trio. The third member happens to be an Indigenous Australian too. He also gave me an immediate sense of being struck; but turns out that was romantic!

Both friends have shared heart-breaking stories of racism directed at them, and I struggle to understand how their strength of character could ever be overshadowed by the colour of their skin.

I struggle to comprehend how anyone could ever look down on other cultures, when I have, and always will, look up to them.

They lead us in the dark, they show us that though the horizon is vast, we are all in it together.

Without blackness, there would be no light.