Dear Black Women

 

by Heven Ambachew

 

With strength and resiliency,

Hair that defies gravity

Aesthetics of gold radiate from within your,

Rich melanin

Your existence a delightful phenomenon

 

Bending without breaking

Bleeding without dying

Self-love without harm

Versatile and drippin’ honey,

You move mountains

 

From back ended compliments

Constantly living under attack

Loving yourself; a political act

 

.. “you’re pretty for a black girl”

..”are you mixed with anything?”

..”i don’t date black girls”

.. “too smart for a black girl”

 

As if your blackness is too bold

As if it would be better cooled off and watered down

No, this is black, no suga, no additives

 

Now, you want a mouth full

of my culture

; home grown and organic

Feasting ,

Draining me of that which comes with my faith,

My skin

My body

 

no longer can we sit in the shadows

no longer will we accept what they say

Remember you are royalty

Dark eyes,

thick thighs

No more apologies

 

You are a whole movement

You are worth the conversation

Take up your space queen;

Be unapologetic

 

Aiyana stanley-jones

Tarika

Tanisha Anderson

 

Say their names..

Shout them ..

Scream ..

Let your words echo and shake the foundations of this system

A violent system

A white system

..dismantle this structure

 

Remember

Honor

but do not weep sisters

For there is still hope

 

Reclaim your time through your words, your stories

We can no longer be a bridge for those that do not wipe their feet before entering our homes