When it comes to Black History Month, it is not just about learning about the past. But it is also about acknowledging the now and looking to better the future. Whether you call yourself Black or African-American, this month is to celebrate you. To acknowledge you. To let you know that you are seen. That you are not what others deem you to be. As it comes to a sad close, I wanted to leave you ,the readers, with something that will speak more words that it is written in. Black Beauty is more than just our features. It is the pure essence of who we are in our soul.
The world has tried to shake
The ground beneath your feet
Far too many times, yet somehow
You keep on standing there anyway,
Your own mountain of strength
That they couldn’t topple if they tried.
You have carved out a place for yourself
In a world that told you that you didn’t belong.
But you belong and it is your world too.
You are the latest of many generations
That have worked to make it so.
You are here with your held head high,
Making all those generations so proud.
From the rubble, you have helped to build
An entire world to call your own.
An identity and a language tied to it,
So that when others hear you speak with pride,
They will know who you are.
The melanin marking the surface of your skin,
Like war paint you wear over the soul
Threaded through with silver steel.
Thick, silky hair that some days refuses
To ever be truly tamed, like the heart
Beating against your cage of ribs
That refuses to ever be trampled upon.
If you cannot see everything that you are,
I hope you one day learn to be able to.
It took hundreds of loves
To bring you into this world
And all that have come before
Would be so proud of you.
Carry their pride and your own strength
Always upon your shoulders
As you go out into the world.
And please promise me
That you’ll always remember
Where you came from,
Where you are going,
And everything that you are.
Feature Image: Fire Womxn by Reyna Noriega
Remember, the learning and the support doesn’t end on February 28th. This is a constant motion that we need to fulfill. Sign petitions, go to rallies, support your Black friends and/or family. SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUISNESSES!!! Do your part because yes we have made progress up to this point. But there is still so much work to be done. Down below are links to websites where you can find more info on petitions to sign and organizations to donate to.
Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com/
Donate to the NAACP: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/naacp-1
Donate to the ACLU & learn how to help support BLM: https://action.aclu.org/give/fund-every-fight-ahead
Learn more ways to help support the Black community: https://www.cnet.com/how-to/8-ways-to-get-involved-during-black-history-month-and-beyond/
THANK YOU FOR READING!!
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Lovely Poem. Enjoyed reading it. Thanks for writing it.