BLACK numbers MATTER!

Just another night in Vegas at the roulette table—talking, laughing, and enjoying the company of people from various places. Although I wasn’t hitting jackpot-sized wins, I was doing well. A group of men, dressed in jeans, boots, and cowboy hats, joined our game, seemingly in town for the Nations Rodeo finals. Despite my urban appearance, my love for country music and lifestyle is genuine. As they boisterously joined, the once-relaxed vibe at the table became awkward.


Playing odd/even and red/black, one of them loudly declared, “Let’s go black!” followed by a questionable remark about “black numbers matter,” eliciting uncomfortable silence. I chose not to escalate the situation; after all, I wasn’t in Vegas for conflict. The table remained quiet until they left. I refused to let the incident ruin my night, choosing to focus on the positive.
Reflecting the next morning, it struck me how rare it is for me to be offended by racial comments. While I’ve not supported movements like BLM, I found these men’s remarks out of line. It made me realize the prevalence of hate in the world. Acknowledging my own past lapses in sensitivity, I hope this experience prompts greater awareness of my words. We all harbor opinions, but we should express them with mindfulness, recognizing the importance of coexisting peacefully. In a world filled with hate, may we all learn to live together in harmony or face the consequences.