As I journey forward in this world professionally, I have begun to notice a few things about myself. Most of these things are positive, as I am now less averse to making small talk with people whom I’d never interact with under normal circumstances. This is affectionately known as “schmoozing.” Few things can be quite as awkward as forced conversation with a person whom you don’t know, whom is quite obviously a doucebag. What’s worse, it is also painfully obvious that said douchebag does not really want to speak to you, either.

Nonetheless, I am beginning to master the art of conversing in these particular situations. To be quite honest, I’m proud of the progress that I have made thus far along the way. I have gotten so good at it, that it’s led me to become that most wondrous of social creatures.

I am the Cool Black Guy.

Yes, I am now that guy. You see him in movies all the time, although he rarely gets many lines. As a matter of fact, in horror movies, it’s a 65% chance that he’s going to be the first person killed, and a 90% chance that if he’s not the first one dead, he still won’t live all the way through to the end of the film. I am speaking of the sole black friend among a group of non-black people. The ink spot. The fly in the buttermilk. That’s me.

I am now capable of befriending an entire roomful of non-black people, with no fear that someone will look on their calendar and remind the rest of the group that it just so happens to be “Beat up the Black Boy” day on their secret calendar. Meeting people in blogging world and the social media field pretty much made this an easy transition, because finding a common ground was no longer daunting. If you are not passionate about what you do, you won’t want to talk about it after-hours with strangers. If you do love it, then it doesn’t feel like work and it’s a lot easier to tolerate.

Naturally, this comfort transitioned from strictly the professional areas of my life, into the social realm. Thus, I am now able to have fun at places where about a year ago I would say something like “Where are all the black people? How come there ain’t no brothers on the wall? This is just like ‘Do the Right Thing!’ I’m not staying here!”

I have a cousin who has been the Cool Black Guy his entire life. Now I have a better understanding of what things are like from his perspective.

You know what? It’s actually a very good feeling being the cool black guy! It is like having “the Force” from Star Wars, except that force is the spirit of unity! Like that stuff that Dr. King and Queen Latifah were talking about…

Like all good things, however, too much of a good thing is never good. I have to pick and choose my spots for Cool Black Guy moments. White is not always right, so I just trust my instincts on going to certain places and partaking in certain activities while knowingly being the only person of Negriodian heritage in the mix. I don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and have things go from “Leon is one Cool Black Guy” to “HE DID IT! IT HAD TO BE LEON! I MEAN, LOOK AT HIM!!!”

I want every black person that read this to consider making some white friends today. You never know, it could be beneficial to you in more ways than socially and professionally. If you get hemmed up legally, it’s great to have a few testifying on your side. Ask 1994 O.J. Simpson. Not 2008 O.J.

Seriously though, you shouldn’t put too many social limitations on yourself when it comes to making friends. However, do not try too hard. If you have to resort to kissing ass or behaving in a manner anything less than dignified, then you’re not making friends; you’re cooning.

Just a friendly P.S.A. from Leon, the Cool Black Guy!

This story is filed under: A Guy Named Leon, Comic Relief