Black History

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