Being black in America/A black thang
Whats it all about you ask?
Its about confusion in you heritage-
About being considered inferior to other Americans
It's about stereotypes... being one;
trying not to be one.
Its about the human color spectrum,
from white chocolate and cafe'ole
to the ebony black as a matter of fact.
Being black in america
is about a straight or kinky
and a every texture in between hair thang.
Creativity and style
when ain't nothing to work
with for miles and miles.
Its about open arms for every person
and culture in this big ole world.
Double dutch and hop-scotch,
its about sitting on the stoop
on a hot summers night
watching the cars roll by.
Being black in america is about grandma's
firm hand on your backsides
when you got out of line.
About Sunday morning church
singing in the choirs.
Sunday dinner with mixed greens
a ham hock tossed in,
macaroni and cheese.
Fried chicken and catfish
corn bread and sweet tea
with spice cake,homemade caramel icing.
Being black in america is knowing
what soul really is...
and knowing more- than how to dance,
sing and play sports.
Its about knowing the struggle that got us this far.
About living your life with pride and determination.
Its about knowing; the good lords grace,
is yours- handed down like old clothes from
mama and her mama and her mama's mama.
Being black in america is about knowing
even if you cant trace your ancestors
back to a king or queen-
you are; a king or queen.
Its about being accepting of all you been through-
holding your head up and singing "Lift every voice and sing..."
Knowing you can take nothing and make everything
from that.
Being black in america is about love of family
Its about history or "their story"
...
future, past and present.
Its about all the good,
the bad the indifferent.
It's about life...
yours and mine.
Being Black in America..
Well its a black thang
