Why Black Folks Are In Such High Demand As TV Weather Forecasters 
by Judy Belk



It’s because we have a unique understanding of certain conditions.
We know which way the wind blows.
North. South. East. And sometimes West.

We know the best way to study a tornado is from a distance
Same with hurricanes.

We don’t waste much time fretting about stormy Mondays.
There’s the rest of the week to get through.

We’re not surprised the earth is warming.
Natural reaction to so much cold-blooded suffering.

We’ve seen our share of rainbows
Followed them to the end, too
Nothing much to see.
Just a few ole rusty buckets. Some spare change.

We’re not big believers in weather predictions.
Too many days running for cover when the forecast promised something more.
Best to follow our own instincts. 
Be prepared with all-weather gear for any sudden temperature changes. 


Judy Belk, a native of Alexandria, Virginia, explores storytelling which weaves the past and present in making sense of racial injustice. Her “Naomi” short stories have appeared in The Phoebe, The Griffin and Wind. Her essays have also been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post and aired on PBS Radio. In recent years, the Los Angeles Times has published eight of her essays on race and family. 


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