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Just because I'm Black

February 5, 2015
By Issyb15 BRONZE, Fairfield, Ohio
More by this author
Issyb15 BRONZE, Fairfield, Ohio
2 articles 0 photos 0 comments

Favorite Quote:
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

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Just because I’m black
Doesn’t mean I like fried chicken
Doesn’t mean I like watermelon
And doesn’t mean that I am broke
Just because I’m black
Doesn’t mean I’m athletic
Doesn’t mean I’m loud
Doesn’t mean I am illiterate
Just because I’m black
Doesn’t mean I live off of welfare
Doesn’t mean that I’m ghetto
Doesn’t mean I wear a weave
Just because I’m black
Why are you trying to group me into a stereotype?
Why can’t I be my own person?
Why can’t I just be Isabela?
I am black.

© Trella R., Mountain Lakes, NJ

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JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 4 comments.

Paula said...
on Feb. 12 2015 at 7:15 am
What a powerful message. You are wise beyond your years. The pen is a powerful sword...keep writing and share your knowledge. Our future is so bright...don't let anyone put out your flame.
JJMomADL said...
on Feb. 11 2015 at 7:17 pm
Bravo, Isabella, it's empowering to find one's voice.
“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself.”
JJmomVA said...
on Feb. 11 2015 at 1:43 pm
Great sense of expression, wondering do the old stereotypes (watermelon, fried chicken) still resonate with young people.
JJMomNDH said...
on Feb. 11 2015 at 9:25 am
Issyb15, I love your self awareness. You found a way to articulate your truth while dismantling stereotypes . Congratulations young lady!
JJMom-NBW said...
on Feb. 11 2015 at 6:40 am
Thank you for articulating what so many of us strive for everyday - the chance to be seen for who we really are, irrespective of our color.
JJMomKG said...
on Feb. 10 2015 at 11:47 pm
Congratulations Isabella for expressing yourself so beautifully. Breaking down stereotypes is such an important path to truly understanding who people really are.
MamaG said...
on Feb. 10 2015 at 11:14 pm
Love It! Really speaks to the stereotypes that African-Americans face.