I am from oppression

hate, judgment, and fear

The years of pain of my people

great-grandparents

And shame lasting a lifetime

 

I am from the stubbornness of a mule

Raised and destined for a bright future

Of love of my dark skin

 

The struggle for equality

And rights

Black little girls and black little boys

wish for at night

 

I am the reason they fought so hard

Cried so much

Were beaten bloody and

Refused to let fear devour them

As though a tiger eating its first meal in weeks

 

I am from harsh times and

Destroyed homes and families

Caused by a white man’s touch

 

However...

I am from God-granted-strength

A will unable to be broken by man

And a fire unable to be put out by that of the strongest water

 

Because of this

I learn I am also from African Kings and Queens

That would bow down to no man

Purple, blue, brown, or white

 

I am reborn like a phoenix

And I will rise to the challenge

For I am from strength and will and love

I am from hope

 

I will forever be tied to that enslaved past that proclaims

Captured but not conquered

And of that I am proud

For as my people have shown again and again

I am from strong blood that will surely sustain my journey