This country was built off of the 

blood, sweat, and tears 

of those seen as less than human

Its greatness arose from the

bruised and exploited bodies of our ancestors

This is freedom.

Our colored ancestors marched down those streets

so we didn't have to,

but this internalized hatred never changed

it evolved,

infiltrating the justice system 

and living deep inside the minds

of those who still would not look at me

as a person.

This is freedom.

Everyday I wonder

who will be the next innocent

#hashtag

a life taken too quickly

"it was all in self defense" plea

to disguise the malice and indoctrinated superiority

which hides behind the blinding privelege

of never having to be scared

of those who are meant to protect,

This is freedom.

No indictment, no fault

No justice, no peace

My brothers and sisters,

This is freedom.