Do you know the difference between losing and being defeated? It's attitude.

I tell my three boys that Baltimore is unique because it is one of the last "authentic cities" standing. And, in the United States, with more than 300 million people, only a quarter have tasted the natural flavors of a hard-lived life.

I am talking about people who have bitten down, locked their teeth, and taken the blows because they believe more in their way than the way of the world.

I am talking about people who have seen more days of loved ones past than they have been given hope for the future and still choose to love.

Their energy is palpable. It's a warrior spirit within a jungle of landmines…and still, these people march into daily battles, led by something bigger than them and a faith in something more remarkable in themselves.

Baltimore's charm, grit, and grace are the magic of "real people"... "real humanity." It's relatable. It's familiar.

That is the energy Baltimoreans felt when they watched the Chiefs versus the Ravens NFL AFC Championship Game. And I can only speak for myself when I say I did not expect to be so triggered. I wanted to stop the game and talk to Human Resources.

Those may agree or disagree, but it is my truth.

I am a Black Woman who has witnessed the microaggression of America in my world since the age of 8 years old. That is when my mother had to explain that my skin color and zip code would be a factor in my success.

I am a Black Mother who has witnessed America's brutality against our black boys and black girls. I was immediately flushed with heat when I saw Chief’s tight end Kelce’s red cheeks grinning menacingly in Zay Flowers's face and gregarious taunting him as referrers turned away.

It didn't help with the constant camera cuts to America's sweetheart after every play. My heart raced, and blood pounded through my temples. I was in fight or flight mode and having a panic attack because I was watching what America acts as if it doesn't see, which is “privilege”.

The AFC game meant more to the people of Baltimore than just a regular sports event. It symbolized our city's progress and people's determination to thrive despite our challenges. Through hard work and perseverance, Baltimore has been putting in work, and this game proved our progress.

Today, a quarter of America is being strangled by the same rope given to those who can afford the spool. Racism and poverty are at the core of every social injustice, including the treatment of Black football teams.

Look, I recognize that the Ravens did not play their best football, and if you don't play your best, you lose. It's natural law, and I do not argue.

But, what the Ravens gave Baltimore was proof of life.

Baltimore is its worst enemy when we view ourselves through the lens of a world that fails to comprehend or respect our story.

From Baltimore to Detroit, Chicago to New Orleans, and major urban cities in between, the Chiefs versus Baltimore game should prove to every Baltimore citizen that the world can not take away from us what it has not given us.

And, the Ravens showed Baltimore we have come a long way, and “if we can keep our head when all about us are losing theirs and blaming it on us… If we can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two impostors just the same, then…ours is the Earth and everything that’s in it.” ~ Kipling