Having parents that originated from the South, I grew up aware of the differences that existed among racial groups but have always been proud to be Black. I was raised to believe that I could do anything they could do and was entitled to receive everything they received. Since my dolls looked like me, my cousins look like me, and everybody I love and respected looked like me, I’ve never thought of having Black skin as a curse and as a result, I grew up UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK.
As an African-American woman, my heart is filled with joy as I witness the many hues and ethnicities that have joined the many protests that have erupted in this country and throughout the nation aimed at supporting equality for African- Americans. It’s time for everyone, including Blacks, to be treated fairly and afforded the same opportunities as outlined in the constitution. Being Black doesn’t require an apology, it can’t because I am UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK.
For this week’s blog, I wanted to share a poem that is beautifully written because it exudes the proudness I feel as an UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK woman. It’s written by RuNett Nia Ebo and entitled Lord, Lord, Why did You make me Black? I hope you enjoy it as much as I did when I first heard it.
Lord, Lord, Why did You make me Black?
Why did You make me someone
the world wants to hold back?
Black is the color of dirty clothes;
The color of grimy hands and feet.
Black is the color of darkness;
The color of tire-beaten streets.
Why did you give me thick lips,
A broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did You make me someone
Who receives the hatred stare?
Black is the color of a bruised eye
When somebody gets hurt.
Black is the color of darkness.
Black is the color of dirt.
How come my bone structure’s so thick;
my hips and cheeks are high?
How come my eyes are brown
and not the color of the daylight sky?
Why do people think I’m useless?
How come I feel so used?
Why do some people see my skin and think I should be abused?
Lord, I just don’t understand;
What is it about my skin?
Why do some people want to hate me
And not know the person within?
Black is what people are “listed”,
When others want to keep them away.
Black is the color of shadows cast.
Black is the end of the day.
Lord, You know, my own people mistreat me;
And I know this just isn’t right.
They don’t like my hair or the way I look
They say I’m too dark or too light.
Lord, Don’t You think it’s time
For You to make a change?
Why don’t You re-do creation
And make everyone the same?
(GOD ANSWERED)
Why did I make you black?
Why did I make you black?
Get off your knees and look around.
Tell Me, what do you see?
I didn’t make you in the image of darkness.
I made you in the Likeness of ME!
I made you the color of coal
From which beautiful diamonds are formed.
I made you the color of oil,
The black-gold that keeps people warm.
I made you from the rich, dark earth
That can grow the food you need.
Your color’s the same as the panther’s
Known for (HER) beauty and speed.
Your color’s the same as the Black stallion,
A majestic animal is he.
I didn’t make you in the Image of darkness
I made you in the Likeness of Me!
All the colors of a Heavenly Rainbow
Can be found throughout every nation;
And when all those colors were blended well,
YOU BECAME MY GREATEST CREATION.
Your hair is the texture of lamb’s wool
Such a humble, little creature is he.
I am the Shepherd who watches them.
I am the One who will watch over thee.
You are the color of midnight-sky,
I put the stars’ glitter in your eyes.
There’s a smile hidden behind your pain
That’s the reason your cheeks are high.
You are the color of dark clouds formed
when I send My strongest weather.
I made your lips full so when you kiss
the one you love they will remember.
Your stature is strong; your bone structure, thick
to withstand the burdens of time.
The reflection you see in the mirror…
The image looking back at you is MINE!
by RuNett Nia Ebo
As you can see, being Black is a sign of resilience, strength, endurance, and longevity. Being Black has a rich heritage that evolves from queens and kings and I intend to honor my royal ancestors and it is for that reason that I love my Black skin and am a very proud UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK woman.
SHIP TALK: Any thoughts on the poem?
If you would like to leave a comment, please scroll to the bottom of the page.
It’s very important to discuss our rich heritage with the younger generations especially since society chooses to paint black as being negative. Thanks for your support.
I love this poem! I actually framed and hung it in my speech classroom at one of the schools that I supported in an under served community, where the population is predominantly Black. Like you, I have always been proud to be black and grew-up knowing that I was worthy and could achieve whatever I desired. In my family we talked about our history and celebrated our blackness. So it was important for me to share this poem with my students so that they have an opportunity to see themselves, their blackness, their beauty, their promise and possibilities through a different lens, not just the negative portrayal that we often see in the media, advertisement or in the movies.
This poem has always made me feel fantastic. I first heard it at a Black History program for the National Council of Negro women a few years back. The beauty is was read by a 9-year-old. It moved me. Thanks for your support.
I love you too Hillary. Life is about love, NOT about skin color. It’s about accepting people for their hearts and not their hues. I am honored that you read my blog from a content perspective and that it is able to enlighten you in whatever way it does. This time is not bleak, it’s necessary. GOD slowed down the world through the pandemic so that we can address some of our ugly past. For me, as I stated in this blog, I am proud of who I am and am so proud of how equality for all just took a few steps forward. Now we need to get the cheeto out of office, so we can all progress and move forward TOGETHER.
That’s beautiful D. You never know. I never knew that about you and am so grateful that you have come into your own awareness.
Thanks Lori!!
Beautifully done!
I absolutely love this poem. I, too, am unapologetically Black. Unfortunately, or perhaps, my mother never accepted her Blackness. Unknowingly, she taught us that Black’s were inferior. I say unknowingly because the words were never said but her actions said it. For example, she never put Negro on out school applications. She put Indian or other. She didn’t like that I was drawn to dark skinned men ot my brothers choices in dark skinned women. I learned through my Dad’s family and experiences to be proud of our people. However, my Mom’s beliefs were still ingrained in my subconscious for many years into my adulthood. The media added to my Mom’s beliefs that we were criminals and thugs. I was embarrassed by the actions of others, and while I was proud to be Black, I believed that most Black people were bad. I was in corporate America and was usually the only Black in the office and oftentimes the whole company. I worked harder than anyone to prove I was worthy if the position. Proving that we were not all bad people. It was much later in life, when I was put in a position to hire our people that I realized that we “good” Black people are the majority. Our people love like no other.
I guess I got off subject here. My mother taught what she believed. She was a product of an interracial marriage. We have to teach our children differently. Teach them to truly be proud of who they are and where we come from, so they can be unapologetically Black.
I adore you. I learn so much from reading your words; thank you for shining light in such a bleak time.
Beautiful, it’s encouraging, and edifying, a great conversation with God. A God who hears and answers. It speaks to the strength of a people Black Folk, and at the end of the day we persevere.