Dear LPG, 

Poetry would not be doing its job unless it got us thinking about all aspects of life and, in this Black History Month, there are so many facets of our heritage and culture to celebrate.  

I think that I may well be speaking for quite a few of the people who have found themselves going through the challenging times described in it, simply because their differences as they have encountered living in the foreign lands which so many of them have spent more than half a lifetime trying to adopt, has not been the easiest of journeys.

While recognising that every person who has ever lived has had to do that while experiencing many kinds of ongoing adversity, I hope that my poem today reminds everyone about how far we people of colour have come over the years, while it also acknowledges the attitude that many of us have brought with us along the way… 

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL, BLACK IS COOL

I am Black, Beautiful, Gorgeous, Handsome, Honest, Jovial, Kind   and full of fun!  I am a burden to no one.
I may not have white skin, but I am one of God’s magnificent creatures!
Yet, I am just the person who some would choose to scorn,
Mock, insult, ignore and resent.
The reason for these cruel actions is the colour of my skin.

I am black on the outside as everyone can see,
But what is on the inside means much more to me.
“His heart is in the right place”, as the white folks would often say.
“Leave him alone, he’s ok; why don’t you let him be?”

My features may be different; my accent may give me away.
To you I may seem simple or plain; but I’m black and beautiful just the same.
I may have travelled from a country far or near, 
I may not be accepted, though I’m intelligent and sincere.
And the fact that some folks hate me is neither here nor there.
I am prepared for anything: this will not affect my status here.

Hatred, pride, and prejudice will destroy the human soul:
We must teach our young ones how to manage in this world.
Black or white, yellow, or pink: let us follow all the rules.
Wherever there is prejudice and malicious ways,
There will always be divisions, with harsh and bitter words.
I’m black and wise and patient, I will never lose my cool!
Being black and cool and noble doesn’t mean that I’m a fool!

©2017 by Beverly Gooden Wilson