Black don’t crack,

Not after the 400 years of suffrage and oppression we faced.

Not after the denial of our human rights.

Not after the dehumanization and lynchings.

Not after the deaths of the brothers and sisters we failed to protect.

To those who didn’t get the chance to see a brighter tomorrow.

Since when was pointing out wrong and right, criminal?

Well, it does when they’re black.

Black does not crack.

Black is beauty, adored by the ton.

Black speaks with street slang and office professionalism.

They are loud and proud.

Here, there, and everywhere.

Unforgettable decadent.

From church choirs, to blues, to jazz, and rock.

Carrying the will of our ancestors.

Burns from hot combs and silk presses.

Box braids, twists, and Afros.

Black comes from rich lands filled with history.

Black leaves their mark on the world, whether that’s good or bad.

Black indeed does crack.

Black is not equal.

Black is not human. No.

They are…animals, savage beasts.

Foul-mouthed and ghetto.

Ratchet and obnoxious.

Uneducated and dirty.

A shadow, something to be hidden away.

Black is not perfect.

From “its family matters” to “get off that dang phone”.

From spankings to being grounded.

“Treat your elders with respect” and “You only have one mom or dad”

Suck up those tears, don’t let them see you weak.

“Don’t cuss out nobody”, you don’t wanna make a scene.

When Black shows too much emotion, they’re “overreacting” 

“Over dramatic”.

Be a robot.

Tough love is my love language.

“You’re too dark” “Too white”

Black is at odds with each other.

They bicker and bark but can sometimes chit-chat.

Black ain’t perfect.

Black is beauty and imperfection.

Strong and resilient

Unapologetically their finest selves.

But most importantly, Black is human.