To honor Black History Month, I asked my Black friends to share phrases they are asked/told/endure for a BINGO board. My hope is by putting out this BINGO board we can expose the racism, thoughtlessness, and stereotypes that Black people endure every day. I also hope it gave my friends a chance to be honest about the things they put up with, often more gracefully than the rest of us.

To the non-Blacks reading this, please learn from the honesty shared in this post. If you are wondering about any of the phrases on here, do some reflection on why it is on the BINGO board. All of the squares have themes that have repeatedly come up for Black people, and some basic internet research will provide a ton of articles, videos, and material for you to learn from.

If you see something on the list that you’ve done in the past, please don’t melt like a snowflake and cry to a Black person. Instead, learn about it and work to be a better ally. Also, learn about reparations and other efforts to bring justice to Black people.

Since the graphic is not screen reader-friendly here is a description. Black background with red, yellow, and green diagonal stripes in the background and a black squiggle in the top right and bottom left corner.

Text title: Don’t Say That to Me – Black History Month BINGO

• Can I touch your hair?
• I love your skin, I wish I could get a good tan.
• You’re so articulate
• I knew you were mixed with something else
• But where are you reeeeaaaaalllly from?
• I have a Black friend
• You don’t sound Black
• “I’m so glad you’re here.” When you’re the only Black person in the room
• Do you sell weed?
• You look mad
• Says “Time to crack the whip”
• Is it OK to say the n word around you?
• STOP AND THINK BEFORE TALKING
• Cop, “You look nervous, what you hiding?”
• Were you the diversity candidate?
• Look I’m almost your color
• Am I different from the other white girls?
• Can you teach me to twerk?
• “You’re just being too sensitive” when pointing out racist behavior
• Why are we celebrating Black children? They aren’t anymore special
• Are you the first in your family to go to college?
• Did you grow up in a single family home?
• I’m sorry I didn’t realize you work here
• Do you swim/camp/hike?
• Asks a Black person, When is MLK day?

Thank you to my Black friends and colleagues for sharing to make this post as authentic as possible. I wasn’t able to fit everything shared, but have it filed away for a future post. Thank you.

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