My culture is influential,

I stress the second,

Because the media flies’ habit to popularize my

Culture makes me question the impact of my

Reflection.

My culture is not a costume,

“Boxer Braids, the new trend and perfection!”,

Not boxer braids, they’re cornrows,

But I forgot it’s only fashionable when slapped with a new

Name and lighter complexion.

I see heads spinning with the lack of understanding the connection.

Dreadlocks, hip hop, and natural afros are just pieces of my

Extended heritage and they mean everything to me.

My culture is not your costume,

Its value does not deserve its dissection.

Without my culture,

I have no identity;

Without my culture,

I am lost.