Over the past 8 years, I have gathered that legends don’t explain themselves.
Over the past 8 years, I have seen black pride spread out amongst the 50 states in waves of melanin love and afro acceptance.
We used to bump “My president is black! My lambo’s blue!” in my aunt’s Nissan until the speakers nearly burst our eardrums.
But now that he is gone…
I wonder if our pride will become less fashionable.
I wonder if the white conservatives will rally and say that we had our chance and that the only time they will tolerate the sight of an afro fist pump or mention of the mighty Obamas is during the month of February.
But if there is one thing I have learned during the reign of black democracy it is that LEGENDS DO NOT EXPLAIN THEMSELVES.
Rosa Parks didn’t say “Oh no, sir, I have had a long day at work, so long I cannot bear the thought of standing up so could I please just keep this seat?”
No, she just said “nah.” And kept it moving.
So did Irene Morgan and Sarah Keys but they don’t teach you about them in school.
Harriet Tubman felt no need to explain herself, to justify her actions for the white man’s entertainment, nah!
She just threw up the blackest peace sign the world has ever seen and said “We out!”
Malcolm X said, “Try me.”
Sojourner Truth said “Ain’t I done question myself.” But she made that a statement.
And this, this is important to me because I used to want to be white.
When I was a kid I used to cry because my skin didn’t look like all my white friends.
Not like Bailey’s or Rachael’s.
And I never noticed this until I turned 8, in the third grade.
But I always wished these thoughts never plagued the mind of an 8-year-old.
Racism shouldn’t even be a thing to worry about at that age, let alone at all.
But the next thing I knew my president was black and I had never felt more secure in my existence!
So, to the next person who calls me a nigger.
Who alters my complexion in favor of them.
Who inserts themselves into the middle of my sentences to question my self-love, just know!
I will no longer allow you to take away my progress!
This is not for you!
I did not ask for your permission!
This egotism is so out of this world; you’ve been begging your telescopes to show you it despite!
Calling all Atlanta Teen Poets – Deadline: March 24
VOX is accepting submissions from poets, rappers, leaders and activists ages 13-19 to represent Atlanta as the 2017 Youth Poet Laureate. To apply, email AtlantaWordWorks@voxatl.org your resume/CV and 5 poems or YouTube links. Find out more from the Atlanta Youth Poet Laureate Promotional Booklet.
A joint program of Urban Word NYC and VOX, this program seeks to identify young writers and leaders who are committed to civic & community engagement, poetry & performance, human relations, diversity, social justice and education across Atlanta.
Along with the prestigious title of Atlanta Youth Poet Laureate
