Black Girl Adultification
I was engaged in a conference call that turned its focus towards MaKhia Bryant... I understand on various levels the “adultification” of Black girls—from its historic underpinnings—academically AND personally. I know the saga, stress and hell of having to defend, protect, and take care of yourself as a teenager. There are plenty of people waiting and willing to prey on vulnerable—unprotected, young Black girls, and she is left to defend herself the best she can—IF she can. So, yes, I know the ugliness of this ”adultification” stigma is the root of why this child was murdered. B lack girls are deemed adult, grown, fast, etc., when in reality it’s the “real adults” in and around this child’s life that left her unprotected—I know that story all too well also. And the bottom line is the ENTIRE system failed this little girl—and despite the ignorant rhetoric that “she got what she deserved” —such a horrible sentiment, she did not—what she deserved was to grow into full adultho...