What does it mean to be black,
if, in fact,
being black can be tracked
or attached
to particular language or how one should act?

What kind of clothes should we wear?
And, our hair...yes, our beautiful hair.
Keep it long, afro-pick it,
or shave it all bare?

What kind of words should we use?
Speak in code, secret shoes?
Do we seek to amuse?
Do we cry? Do we lose?

Who can explain all the laughter and pain?
Who knows deep inside what we all hope to gain?
Ask anyone, its not hard to explain.
The truth is: what most people want is the same.

So, can I be wrong if I seek out the plan
to be seen as a wise and intelligent man?
To be viewed with respect in a dignified way
to be black, to be brown, to be yellow or grey.

What does it mean to be black?

[ Back to Voices! Index ]

[an error occurred while processing this directive]