My Truth

Growing up in a dominated white society has opened my eyes to many truths.

First, I learnt little about my rich African history and heritage
Slavery started in the year...
And Martin Luther King was a... Were the only topics that I remember
Black History, my history-what history?
Nothing deeper, just the same recycled lessons taught over and over again.

Second, I think people sometimes forget that it is still wrong to make assumptions
Like when I speak up and people think I shouldn't because they think I’m not Black
Or when teachers assume that as the only Black student, I’d be okay representing the mass.

Wait, what did you say in class again?
Slavery started in the year...
And Martin Luther King was a...
Because anyone can repeat that; I learnt nothing.

Third,
And the most important truth
Is that I have to keep keeping on
So even though
I still have to deal with racial slurs and racism at school

And I still have to deal with
Sorry
You’re too Black for the white kids
And
You’re way too white for the Black kids

I cannot; I will not be silent
My voice matters; I matter
And it stops mattering the day I become silent
I will continue to walk on the path to my destiny I will continue to live my truth.