Look around, what do you see?

So many different shades of colors

Each with a face and a different story

Constantly judged by appearance and the way we look

But let me tell you who I am because I'm not an open book

Who am I?

I am me

Similar to you internally but externally very different.

My story is attached with decades of intertwined histories

Yet, contrary to belief, the reason why isn't a mystery

I'm black.

Let me tell you about something you can't see.

Something so deep that you probably won't believe.

Standing in a room full of people extremely lighter than me.

I stand there before them, a color most does not approve me to be.

I didn't have the opportunity to grow up with white privilege as one can see.

One day I hope to wake up and realize this world is all just a dream.

My hair...

It gets extremely curly when wet.

The words I speak makes most upset

My ancestors fought for freedom all their lives.

Today I stand, head high to the sky.

Speaking my truth, making their dreams come to life.

All they ever wanted was to be treated equal.

I live in a world where it's illegal to be peaceful. 

Innocent men and women killed every day because of the color of their skin.

Innocent men and women put away in jail cells because they're easy prey so we never win.

Despite their color, brown or black.

It doesn't make a difference because my people will always be under attack.

Just because we're BLACK.