From accents to access, and the politics of speaking while black

Politician making speech from behind a pulpit [Courtesy]

Where are you from?” I am routinely asked, mostly by Uber drivers, many of who are immigrants, in chase of the illusory “American dream.” All too often, they want to hear my story. They also share their own, perhaps to check if there are parallels in the stories of our lives.

I tend to disappoint and indicate I really never left my country. Yes, I studied here, and I do return occasionally, but not for extended periods of time.