A recent post in Facebook between a black man and a white woman conversation goes viral in Myrtle Beach.
Ernest Skelton a local appliance repairman came to Caroline Brock’s house to repair her washer and dryer and she asked a question no white person ever has before.
What is it like to be a black man in America?
Skelton’s answer shocked Caroline; she said he was very open and willing to share what his life was like. It really shocked her because she didn’t know that this is a normal black man has to deal with every day.
Skelton told her about the numerous times he claims he’s been pulled over by Myrtle Beach police, but said it wasn’t for traffic violations. Reasons like his truck fit the description of a robbery and he would get question about the boxes in his car.
He claims the harassment from police got so bad, he doesn’t leave the house after dark anymore.
When he’s five minutes from his house, the blue light comes on, gets pull over and they ask what is he doing out at night. Skelton tells them he’s got a sign on his truck and invoices showing he just got off of work.
He said seeing what happened to George Floyd certainly hasn’t improved his level of trust with law enforcement and realizes that that could have been him.
He went on to tell her about the prejudice he’s faced in the workplace. Being an African-American he can’t get a job because of his skin color which led him to become his own boss and start his own business, Grand Strand Appliance Repair Services and mentions customers will question his qualifications even ask if he is certified.
Broc mentioned it is about listening with an open mind instead of thinking you know. She wanted to share what she learned with the world, in the hopes that his story would enlighten others, too.
With his permission, she posted what she learned from him on Facebook which has gone viral; ‘liked’ and shared hundreds of thousands of times.
