I’m from Baltimore, and I’m okay...
These words are making their way around social media this week. The phrase comes from a Baltimore teen who had to use six words to describe where she is from and what does it mean for a school assignment.
Jael Toppin then explained in a video why she chose those words. She says when she introduces herself and says she is from Baltimore, immediately people go, "Are you okay? Is it really as bad as it seems?"
“No, Baltimore isn’t known as a positive place. It’s known for it’s drugs, it’s guns, murders, Freddie Gray, and 'The Wire',” Jael says in the video.
But Jael says her phrase makes a point that where you are from does not have to define you.
“Yes I’m from Baltimore, but that doesn’t make me a murderer, that doesn’t make me a drug dealer, it doesn’t make me addicted to drugs, it doesn’t make me a negative person.”
Jael goes on to say you don’t have to follow the stereotypes that are linked to where you are from. Your environment can help you make decisions, or can affect how you live your life, but it doesn’t mean you are the stereotype.
She ends the video by saying, “I’m very proud to be from Baltimore, it has shaped me in ways I didn’t think it would, but where you are from does not define who you are. So hi, my name is Jael, I’m from Baltimore, and yes I’m okay”
Now her words are circulating social media, and the post has gotten a lot of positive reactions and comments. Watch the full video below.
