It’s a New Day and I’m Still Black

by Robin U. Fields

I am Black. My husband, sons, daughter, grandchildren, mother, bothers, sister, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws - we are Black.

Because I’m Black, did you hate me when I met you?

Because I’m Black, why did you hate me in elementary school? Because I’m Black?

Who told you I was Black?

Why did you call me the N-word?

Did you call me the N-word because I was Black? I’m Black.

Who taught you that? We were only 11 years old! We were children.

You hate my family because we’re Black?

You’ve always known that I was Black.

Why do you smile in my face and hate me? Is it because I’m Black.

Are you better than me? What did I do to you?

Do I intimidate you? I’m Black.

Are you afraid I may harm you because I’m Black?

Do you want to kill me, too? Do you want to kill my children? My family? We are Black.

Yes, I’m Black. I am Black. I know you are not Black. I am Black.

Do you know me? Do want to know me? I’m Black. Do you even care?

I don’t hate you. I love you. I’ve loved you from the time we met.

I’m Black. I forgive you.

God fearfully and wonderfully made me Black. You can’t change that I’m Black.

But you can change. Tell yourself the truth about yourself. I’m Black. You are not. But, our blood is red.

I’m Black. We’re black. I’m Black. We’re human.

Justice is for all people, not just you. I want my sons and daughter and grandchildren to live not die because we’re Black. I’m Black.

I love you. I’m Black.

It’s a new day and I’m still Black.