On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, an African American man, died in Minneapolis due to having police officer Derek Chauvin’s knee pressed into Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 49 second as Floyd begged for air.

Since then, there have been protests in all 50 states with people wanting justice. Many people have carried Black Lives Matter posters and chanted No Justice, No Peace.  This surge in the Black Lives Matter movement has been taking place since the day Floyd was murdered.

After years and years of oppression in Black communities, people have gotten tired of police brutality and racism. They are pushing back. Protests have taken place as close as Brockton and Boston.

Recently, I wrote this poem about my identity. Some people love Black culture until it is time to take Black matters seriously. Then, they go silent and there is no voice. I wanted to give voice to what was going on and how I feel personally.

Song of Black Girl Power

I search for those in common with me

Who share my insecurities:

My dark skin, my kinky tight curls,

The way I look, the way I talk,

Is not good enough in the life I walk

I remember my parents telling me

I am smart and good

Enough

That is what I am

That is who I am

The skin I am in I should celebrate

I am Black Girl Power

No shame in that

I am no better than anyone else

And they are no better than me

I am not unworthy or unequal,

I am more than a minority

My ancestors fought

Their voice bequeathed wisdom to my youth

So that I’m comfortable in my own skin

So that I can have the same rights as everyone else

I wonder: Are you comfortable in your own skin?