According to Fox News, there was a mini-controversy between Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and the Capitol Police. Apparently, McKinney was walking into the building and went around the metal detector, which is customary for lawmakers. The police officer apparently did not recognize McKinney and asked her to stop and walk through the metal detector. McKinney ignored the officer’s requests more than once and the officer placed his hand on McKinney’s shoulder. McKinney responded by turning around and hitting the officer with her cell phone. She later released this statement:

I was urgently trying to get to an important meeting on time to fulfill my obligations to my constituents. Unfortunately, the police officer did not recognize me as a member of Congress and a confrontation ensued. I did not have on my congressional pin but showed the police officer my congressional ID. I know that Capitol Hill Police are securing our safety, that of thousands of others, and I appreciate the work that they do. I deeply regret that the incident occurred,” she said in a statement.

As a young Black man working in university, I am ALWAYS stopped and asked for ID. While I realize that I am supposed to have work ID around my neck at all times, I also recognize the differential treatment that I receive in relationship to my white colleagues who also don’t wear theirs. Unfortunately, I’m either too busy or too frustrated to explain this to the security guard, who ends up seeing me as the guy with the chip on his shoulder.

In some ways, this story is much ado about nothing. Still, it reminds us of the little dilemmas that Black people face daily.