Léo Dubois

Growing up in a Parisian suburb, racism was a constant presence in my life. From the moment I stepped outside my front door, I was keenly aware of the stares, the whispers, and the subtle acts of discrimination that followed me wherever I went.

As a 28-year-old black man, I've experienced firsthand the everyday racism that permeates our society. Whether it's being followed around a store by security guards or being stopped and questioned by the police for no reason other than the color of my skin, these incidents have become an all too familiar part of my daily existence.

One particularly memorable experience occurred when I was walking home from work late one evening. As I passed by a group of young men loitering on the street corner, I heard one of them mutter a racial slur under his breath. At first, I tried to ignore it and keep walking, but the words hung in the air like a dark cloud, poisoning the night with their venom.

I felt a surge of anger and frustration welling up inside me, but I knew that reacting would only escalate the situation. So, I clenched my fists and continued on my way, trying to block out the hateful words echoing in my mind.

But the incident stayed with me long after I had reached the safety of my own home. It served as a stark reminder that no matter how far we've come as a society, racism still lurks beneath the surface, ready to rear its ugly head at any moment.

And it's not just the overt acts of racism that weigh heavily on my mind; it's also the subtle forms of discrimination that can be just as damaging. Whether it's being passed over for a job opportunity or being treated differently by strangers on the street, these microaggressions chip away at my sense of self-worth and belonging.

But despite the challenges and obstacles that I face on a daily basis, I refuse to let racism define me. I am proud of who I am and where I come from, and I refuse to be reduced to nothing more than a stereotype or a statistic.

Ultimately, I believe change is possible. By speaking out and holding perpetrators accountable, we can create a more inclusive society.