MY ROOTS RUN DEEP
They trace me all the way back to the open fields of Africa

They give me a taste of the Caribbean life

They ground me to the plantations in Savannah, Georgia

They tell me my ancestors worked hard plowing the fields for what I have today

MY ROOTS RUN WILD
Placing a pep in my step that follow the rhythm of the drum

Sending my body flying into the air creating a Grand Jeté

Pushing my pen to paper following piano notes

Placing a kink in my hair that don’t follow the normality of hair dynamics

MY ROOTS STRETCH FAR
They create a never-ending world for me to explore

They touch each African American

They connect to many individuals

They create a never-ending web for me to untangle, to find out how I am

My roots give me life; like a boiling pot of water, only with a sprinkle of spice.

I am black.

I hail from kings and queens

Who ruled emperies for centuries

Who’ve made a mark in history for African Americans like me

I am woman.

I hold the key to all civilization

I run the world

I’ve made a mark in the world for African American females younger than me

I am different.

I am NOT under the umbrella of “You People”

I am a singer

I am a dancer

I am not a “nigger”

I am experimental.

I hail from Maya Angelo’s and Louis Armstrong’s

Who ruled arts industries for decades

Who’ve paved the way for African Americans like me

My roots give me an identity, like a normal ID card but with more personality

MY ROOTS RUN DEEP
They give me the drive to better than my parents

They give me the determination to reach my goals

MY ROOTS RUN WILD
Preparing me for the obstacles being placed before me

Entertaining me with talents that course through my veins

MY ROOTS STRETCH FAR
They trace my family near and far to everyone in our tree all throughout the globe

They tell me I have so far to go yet I’ve come so far.

My roots give me a family; just like yours but with a dab of crazy.

I come from a long line of women who have moved boulders for their loved ones.

I come from a long line of men who have taken charge to protect their families.

I come from a family that’s not perfect but perfect for me.

I come from a family that’s utterly and completely unique.

My roots give me everlasting love.

MY ROOTS RUN DEEP
MY ROOTS RUN WILD
MY ROOTS STRETCH FAR

I am Monet.

I know who I am and where I come from

But the question is. Do you know who you are?