America: The Black Experience

by Chandra Martin

Always outnumbered
Always outgunned
Always doubted
Always having to run

Held down
Held back
Held up
Feared

Guilty until proven innocent
Mocked
Used
Abused

Laughed at
Lied to
Lied on
Watched

Excluded
Secluded
Ignored
Singled out

Misunderstood
Misrepresented
Miseducated
Misplaced
Missed opportunities

But through it all, we rise to shine brighter than the morning sun

We hope
We heal
We help
We believe

We are resilient
We are resourceful
We are brave
We are determined
We are here