WHO AM I? As Told By Choya Morrison

Inspired by the racist murder of nine worshippers at Emanuel  AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina June 17, 2015.

​Who am I?

I am bright, fun,
Insightful, and done.
Done with hypocrisy, stereotypes
Judgment, and fantasy.
Fantasy that says that I am not worthy
Because of my genealogy.

Genealogy that includes me in a courageous group of men and women,
Soldiers for freedom,
Fighting for the right to be human.

Who am I?

I am more than what you see,
When glancing at me,
As you wonder should I be,
Next to her while I eat.

I am more than the cynical comments
Found scattered throughout various internet posts and blogs.

I am more than a statistic,
I am realistic,
Realistically fed up with all of the hate - it goes both ways.

I am destined to be great
Because of my ancestors fate.
Their fate was to die for my right to live
In a world where the color of my skin  
Should no longer count as a negative.

It's too late - too late to still fear
Our intentional successes
Brought on by our education no less.
And our relentless desire to be 
Recognized as an integral part of this country's achievements.

Who am I?

I am capable, resourceful, successful - in spite of what they say.
I am educated, creative, loving - despite the hate.
I am an American proud of the heritage that presses me forward to be better - the pain, the struggle, the inhumane treatment - I will never forget

Who are we?

We are more than the color of our skin,
Look deeper and then maybe
We can live together freely.

​Choya Morrison