What does it mean to be Black you say,
I will break it down in this poem today.
Our community will always be aware of the things that aren’t fair, but
What does being Black mean?
It means community, love and care
We may be a minority, but we’re the best out there
I can always count on my people to help
Instead of saying “welp”
I can always count on my people to uplift instead of dip
What does it mean to be Black?
It means fear
We have the same fears that’s not fair
When I walk outside my door, sometimes I’m scared
Sometimes I’m scared I won’t make it home every night
Because the color of my skin brings people fright
What does it mean to be Black?
It means history and hardship
When I received the MLK Award the previous day
I thought of all the other activists who are in their graves
I continue the work they couldn’t because they paid
They paid the price of what it took to speak up
While some people stayed home and sipped their cups
I wouldn’t trade being Black for the world
I tell myself pick your head up, you go, girl
As long as I live I’ll continue the peaceful fight
And stay hopeful one day it’ll be alright
CE – RS / CF / EC / AM