Shouts from the crowd fill the air

The people step in time in their gowns and dress

Adorned in gold and silver.

Who are you rooting for tonight?

The glaring lights radiates on Issa Rae’s face

As her natural beauty glows She responds

“Everyone black” With a sense of security in her

White America responds with a 

Scoff

Sneer

And Scorn

Why can’t they be judged by their talent? They ask

Why can’t you root for all the people there tonight?

Why does everything have to be about Race?

Why?

Because when I step into a room, my blackness came thirty seconds before me.

Because when the topic of slavery or jim crow is brought up the class turns to me.

Because as a black woman I am the least protected and desired.

Because mediocrity is not an option for me.

Because I fear everytime my brother’s step out of the house I will never see them again.

Because When I am in pain doctors will disregard me because of my “thick and tough skin.”

Because I cannot sleep in my own bed without the fear that I will be murdered.

Because mainstream feminism forgets me.

Because I dared to be black, a woman, queer, and alive.

Does that answer your question?