What It’s Like to Be the Only Black Kid in the Photo

The journey of a black man who has learned to adapt, stand out and find himself in a white world

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

I’ve been in many situations where I was the only Black person among a group of white friends. I’ve learned to blend in, crack jokes, and sing along to “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers. I’ve become a token Black friend. But what does that mean, and how does it affect me and my relationships?

Being a token Black friend is not about the quality of my friendships; I’m lucky to have wonderful people in my life who care about me. But it is about the role I play in different white spaces, and the challenges I face as a result of being different.

I want to share my story with you, not to accuse or blame anyone, but to help you understand the subtle and complex ways that racism operates in our society. I hope that by reading this, you will gain some insight into the experiences of Black people like me, and maybe even reflect on your own role in creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

How I became a token Black friend

I grew up in Boston, in a predominantly Black neighborhood called Roxbury. But I went to school in Weston, one of the richest and whitest…