Not Another #Hashtag

III

This was it. Today was the day I'd leave this highschool, leave this state, leave this pain.
Broadmoor High became a second home to me. The teachers became a second family, I met my best friend, my first love and made a name for myself. Highschool is where it all really starts anyway isn't it?
I did a quick over look of my makeup and straigtened out the dress Alison made for me. Gold with a slit stopping a few inches above my knee. My smile spread wider and wider every time I spun around testing the dress out over my shape and 5'4 frame. Loving that no insecurity of mine could ever stop me from feeling good about myself today. I loved how it made my dark skin glow and shine, as if instead of it being a curse as anyone else would say, it became one of the most anazing blessings I could ever have.

"They're gone." My father walked in with a twinkle in his eye, and made his way towards me for a hug. "You look beautiful Harmi."
"Thank you, but please don't start crying. You already know how long it takes me to do my makeup and if I cry I might be late for my own graduation." I laughed and pulled away from his hug and placed the royal blue gown and cap on.
"You're forgetting something?" He said.
When I turned around he placed the ribbon saying 'Senior Valedictorian' over my shoulders. My fathers dark eyes always looked tired any other day, but today I'd never seen them any happier. I straightened out his tie and hugged him again.
"You've made me so proud Sanai, you always have."
"I know, I know. I love you too pops." I grinned. "Where's Alison?" They had only been married for a year and a half now, but Alison had always been someone I'd grown to look up to. She was beautiful, smart, everything I ever dreamed to be. She's been a great help to my dad and I know thats something that can never be repayed.

"And now our senior valedictorian Sanai Matthews!" The auditorium erupted with claps and whistles from classmates, teachers and families. I took the stage after giving a hug to Principal Lewis and stood in front of the mic.
"The last four years or so, I experienced things. Things that I've only imagined to ever see in the media. I turned a blind eye to the real problems that my own people faced. Until it happened. I lost my brother. He was shot unlawfully in a parking lot on February 6, 2012. It was just starting to warm up in Baton Rouge and everyone was excited school was almost over." I took a breath before continuing. "My brother became another hashtag. Another example to the media that our lives mean nothing other than a target. Everywhere I looked I saw posters that said "Peace for Montrell Matthews". My 3 year old brother never made it to 4, or to his own high school graduation. Yet I did, and he was my motivation. I pushed myself harder and harder just to be able to make it here, so he could be proud of me. Seeing some of the freshman students over the past year made me realize how much potential we really have. We are not just targets, or jokes. We are strength and power, and we can be anything we want if we really put our minds to it. Find your motivation, find your goal, and commit. Thank you." Another applause erupted as I walked off stage.
"You were amazing 'Nai." Tyler said. We'd been best friends since freshman year and i'm glad we let nothing break our bond. He was a good person. He helped me see another light and open my mind to becoming woke.
"Thanks. When are you leaving for California?" Tyler had made it into his dream school after various nights of studying and working and so on. He had applied to only 4 school wishing he'd get into at least one he actually wanted. UCLA was his last choice but after realizing he was accepted, he loved the idea.
"Next week, gotta go visit the rest of the family in Monroe before leaving. You know how that side of my family is."
I laughed, they were sweet people at times. Although, if Tyler even tried leaving without seeing them the whole family would probably drive up to California themselves just to fight him for that.
"Good luck." He needed more than just a few words of encouragement, hopefully his own prayers work.