Don't Call Me ______

A week ago, while traveling, I shared an elevator with what seemed to be young Black adults between 19-23 years old. As we ascended higher, I had a brief moment where I lost my balance and fell into one of my elevator companions. I was apologetic, and he reciprocated with, "no problem ma'am." For a moment in time, I froze, at least on the inside. One word has never felt so triggering. I remember in my late 20s when someone would call me that I would instantly correct them, telling them that "ma'am" wasn't necessary. It is as if the past few years, there has been a pause on the word in preparat...