My niece is experiencing some discrimination in the county schools here in Richmond, Virginia. The other day, a teacher told her that she won’t amount to anything. I’m taking this time to tell her quite the contrary.
It’s been said but it hasn’t been finished.
“You won’t amount to anything” she boldly insisted.
Her words so vile, her mind so twisted
And she’s so sure and I’m so livid…because she doesn’t know what your black is.
I wish your teacher would have never said those words
I know that pain and I know that hurt
But you know yourself and you know your worth
And you know what makes a diamond — the pressure and the dirt
But you’re HURT.
But your black maintains.
It’s used to the pain, it’s used to the rain
Your black is resilient. It never backs down.
But heavy is the head that wears the crown.
Your head may be heavy, but your brain is intact
Remember her words and watch your back
Stay in your books but don’t be timid
Although it’s been said, it hasn’t been finished
Dr. Kiara Shanay Lee 