Saleh Kigozi

Anyone who knows West junior Saleh Kigozi knows he is vibrant, funny, and not one to shy away from the spotlight. An immigrant from Uganda, Kigozi reflects on how he has found it hard to explain himself to those who have never been in his shoes.

“People don’t understand my point of view,” Kigozi says. “I know my skin color is not ideal. When people think of someone to hangout with, or someone to go on a date with, they don’t usually think of a black person. People notice you more, but they find you intimidating.”

Being viewed in a negative light by those around you is harmful enough, but being characterized in conflicting ways can be confusing too.

“Because I’m black, people wanna know me or be my friend,” states Kigozi. “People find it essential for their social groups or experiences. It makes me feel like an accessory. I’m not to be used to make you seem cool,” Kigozi says. “When you don’t become the more ‘likable’ black, you lose your purpose. You become irrelevant.”

To be viewed as an object can be incredibly dehumanizing, and Kigozi explained that those who try to excuse their behavior and try to say that they are ‘not racist’, should save it.

“I don’t care what cousin of yours is black, you’re still not black. Your ancestors still used their power over blacks, and it’s incorporated into you. It does not make you black.”

While this statement may be shocking, Kigozi believes his stance it comes from a place of being exhausted.

“We should be united. We’re all human.”