MELANIN GLOW
By : Louise Wheeler
Urban Money Matters
I could tell there was certain envy by the way my body swayed ,
And I could tell that they could see the richness in my skin ... They knew it was worth more than they could ever imagine or even admit ... The good news is , I never needed confirmation from them ...
My black girl magic was always shining since birth . Pure magic in my eyes , in my lips , and intellect ... I bet they never saw it coming ... Cause there was always doubt since I stepped foot on this earth . But I now walk with my head held high .
For my ancestors who died for us ... You are never forgotten . Always remember that . You shine like the North Star that guided our magic to freedom ... And we stand here today because of you .
We thank you . 400 years overdue ... Your tears have rained down on us ... Because they knew , you were pure magic . I am pure magic . We are pure magic , as they watch our melanin glow .
“ WAKE UP BLACK ”
By : Michelle Reed
Alton and Philando That ’ s just the names of some down I could write up a list But it will take me some while There ’ s Too many to run down No justice for those that have been unjustly gunned down This is a game to the badge That ’ s virally having fun now Devoted to the systems traditional supremacy And we are forced to run bow Because they can pull over our car Beat us to the ground All because of what the system allows ... Because we ain ’ t put that cigarette out Do y ’ all remember Sandra Bland now And example of how They can tell us to stand down After we ’ ve already been harassed , tazed , or slammed down Hands cuffed behind our backs screaming “ stop resisting and put your hands down ” This country cares more about the death of a monkey Then a black man down Understand now that we need a plan now 1st let ’ s not just protest in these streets It ’ s all noble and good But we need more than free speech We need committees that put pressure on Officials each week More punishment for harassment and for the blood on concrete Because their unity peaks and we need take down the strength in the freedom of weak police Don ’ t let us and defeat meet My people stand up And wake this country from deep sleep
Urban Freedom Magazine - Fall 2017 Vol . 2 | 39