You know, I’ve had an amazing week. I’ve worked hard to be here. It’s an honor to have my work recognized in the way that it has. One could even say that I’ve worked all my life to get here.

So yesterday, I was feeling pretty good. I was on my way to the dentist when I got on the elevator to head up to his floor and there was a white women already in there. I saw her clutch her purse. I tried to pretend that I didn’t see it. But I did. I tried to not think about it. But I did. I tried to not let it bother me. But it did.

I am a middle class, award winning author and to many I am still just a ni****.

And what’s funny is — given history both recent and distant — the only person who should’ve been afraid in that elevator was me.

So white folks, do better.