I Am

I am not dark skin.
I am the voice of deep cognition.
I am the sound of thought-provoking composition.
So, if you feel like you are fiendin' just to stay and listen, yo
I wouldn't even blame you because I am dope's definition.

I am conscious thought, therefore, I am a mind distraught
Seeing my brothers and sisters dim themselves to less than
the stars which many escaped slaves sought.
I am a child of strong ancestry, who strides in his skin of bravery.
I am the hope that rose from slavery as foretold by Mr. Booker T.

I am the many tears from the lies of stereotypes that don't ­recognize that
I am the truth.
I am me.
Malcolm was slain, so I could be.

Langston, bruised and heart heavy with hurt, doubted the power of his praying words.
But I am living in a result of cries heard. Yes, I am the flight of Maya's caged bird.
I am the nightmare of J. Edgar Hoover
because I am the dream of Martin Luther King Junior.

I am foolish.
I am flawed.
I am not quick to give someone my all.
But I am victory.
I know my promise.
I know who I am
because I know who God is.

Therefore, I am erasing society's brands 'cause who I am not
has made me who
I am.
And clearly
I am not
just
dark
skin.