Ta-Nehisi Coates

Just an ordinary man who struggles with the racist beliefs of America. (Amr Katta)

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

Finally got my first passport at 37. First destination: Paris #LongAwaited #Overdue

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

I took Samori with me to meet the mother of a young man who was killed by the police and she mouthed these exact words to Samori, "You exist. You matter. You have value." I have to say that I can't agree more.

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

I need to teach Samori about our culture and history so he can have the knowledge to face the world as it truly is and how white people see us as sacrificial bodies, and not as human souls.

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

Samori, I know growing up like this is not a stroll in the park, but if you don't fight for your beliefs and join the movement, then there will never be any change. #JoinTheMovement #TheStruggleIsReal

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

What happened to the so-called "democracy" of this country. When Lincoln mentioned that America would be ruled by a government of the people, it got me excited, but it turns out that he only meant white people #JusticeForAll #WeArePeopleToo

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

This is the actual "Dream." #StraightFacts #BlackLivesMatter

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

I don't want my son to have the same experiences that I had in school, because it seemed like teachers were always trying to discipline people of our skin color, rather that helping us learn and grow.

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

I am tired of living in this state of fear knowing that I could lose my son, my family, or even my own life because of the hatred and racism towards us. This is no way to live. #SayNoToRacism

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

I went to Prince Jones' mother after the accident, Dr. Mabel Jones, and I have never been this amazed at someones elegance and fortitude. I heard her life story and was utterly disappointed with what our society has become and how her country didn't care about her son.

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

When the white dreamers come to their senses and stop plundering the earth and black souls, there will be reckoning of some sort, where the dreamers will realize their mistakes and our community will find the most joy in what we have because it provides meaning in life.

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

I know being a young black man isn't easy son, and that society expects that you work twice as hard and to follow "the rules" that the racist world puts forth. It pains me that I am not able to help you in these situations or make the racism stop, but one day, equality will come.

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

The death of Prince showed me how no black soul is safe in this damned country as long as there are still the racists who believe they are so much higher in the world. The thought of how Prince died just gives me nostalgia, anger, and disappointment with American beliefs.

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

Let me tell you about how much we are mistreated in this country and how our people lack value and respect. My classmate, Prince Jones, was murdered by the police, even though he was one of the noblest black men I have ever met, which justifies American beliefs and the brutality.

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

I don't want you to grow up in the same harsh way that I did son, and I don't want you thinking you are lesser than anybody because of what the white racists say. I had to grow up in this ghetto and speak the lingo so that you don't have to go through the same trouble.

[Ta-Nehisi Coates @TaNehisiCoates8]

Son, let me teach you a thing or two about being an African-American living in America, coz let me tell you that one thing is for sure, it ain't easy.