Who protects us?
They hire the strongest among us to protect them - so they may drink
So they may parlay in peace and cause a ruckus
So they may riot because their team won or lost.
Or just because they want a damn haircut.
They hire us to cook their food, clothe their children, and teach those children about swag.
Who teaches us?
The system in this country is created in such a way to dismiss and belittle and chastise
The deeper the melanin
The more you are erased
The more you are silenced
The more your history is to be forgotten.
But never forget the rebellious south.
Who respects our culture?
When Flo Jo's ghetto ass nails became the trend in acrylics
And cornrows became Kim K's boxer braids
When our bonnets are a white woman's invention called nightcaps
When our dances are TikTok trends - meanwhile original creators are shadow-banned
When our voices are used for comedic effect or designed to create personalities for another marginalized group
When we are silenced for demanding our credit, demanding our rights, demanding the freedom to live in this fucking country without having to Google how many of our people are murdered in that area.
Who protects us?
When we are in our homes after work
When we worship in our churches
When follow the rules and disclose our weapon
When we seek help after a car accident
When we need medical treatment
When we can't breathe
When we get a late night snack
When we play with toys
When we celebrate on a holiday
When we barbecue at a park
When we go for a jog.
Who the fuck is protecting our children? Our people.
I am not your trope, yo nigga if you ain't black, or your sassy black friend.
I am tired.
Stop fucking killing us. Lest you wake the damn beast.
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Protect your own. Hug your loved ones.
Rest in power to all those who have lost their futures just for living in this backwards country.