Proud

I’m black and I’m proud. I'm not black because it’s trendy, or when it's convenient.

It’s not an excuse to listen to Caribbean music,

Make black jokes, wear braids, and use the N-word.

Twenty-Four hours a day. Seven days a week,

I am black, and I cannot change that.

And those who try to undermine me

Call me “Pretty for a black girl”

Laugh at my features

Try to typecast me or d say my life doesn’t matter

Will be sadly mistaken.

I rock this melanin, like armour to fight the war for my people every day.

I am not just a black girl or a black woman.

I am a Melanated queen.

An Ebony goddess.

An Onyx superhero.

An Obsidian warrior.

I am strong and powerful

And no matter how many times a person will try to break me.

It will not work

My crown will not be tilted,

My throne room will not be destroyed.

My kingdom will not fall until I do

And I never will

I have fought my battles, built my foundations,

Studied my history and created my battle plans.

I know who I am

And who fought for me to be here.

So, I will not succumb to those trying to stop me.

I am the author of my story and the heroine of my destiny. I am black and I am proud,

And one day when the war is over, I will claim my victory.