I was praised
For rocking my fro
Applying essential oils
That made my skin glow
I was praised
for dating within
because I couldn’t possibly love myself
If I were into white men
I was praised
For my fulfilling physique
Curves caught the attention of many
Who were reluctant to speak
But she was condemned
Her hair was relaxed
She might’ve been accepted
Had it flown down her back
She was condemned
For dating outside her race
“How could she love the enemy?”
It was a slap in the black man’s face
She was condemned
For being too petite
Lacking the assets of her counterparts
Most were sure she didn’t eat
Even if her self love wasn’t instilled
I loved her so
How can bashing my own
Cause her to grow
Who am I to judge her being
Because of what she wears
Who she chooses to date
Or how she manipulates her hair
To me she’s a queen
A sister I must protect
No need to know her personally
To treat her with the utmost respect
The resiliency in our blackness is otherworldly
The uniqueness is here to stay
Our preferences don’t dim each other’s light
I wish we could all see it that way.
Fantasia Alston is a guest writer for theblackertheberry.org. She is a 22 year old free spirit and visionary who spends most of her time writing poetry, reading (preferably mystery books), and doing whatever she can to help better the community, whether it be volunteering at the nearest homeless shelter or picking up any litter found on the solid surface of the Earth. She also enjoys painting whatever comes to mind, cooking, meditating, and taking long walks to nowhere. She currently resides in Columbia, SC. She is a writer for #SCHOOLGIRLHUSTLE, an organization that supports and empowers girls and women to stay in school. Learn more about her and her work here. Follow her on instagram here.
Dr. Kiara Shanay Lee 