The Trials and Tribulations Of Being A Black Girl In America

By Herrin Fontenette

How come I’m not equal to my oppressors?

Why is it that everywhere I go, people stare, poke fun at and patronize me?

They follow me, suspiciously, waiting for me to pull something.

They look at me like I’m a disease, just waiting to eradicate me.

I am just like you.

I have a body, arm and legs. 

A heart so full of love beating to the sounds of my ancestors rhythm.

Lungs that breathe in the same oxygen we need. 

Ears that hear everything you do. 

The one thing about me that is different is my skin. 

That golden brown skin most people deem to be ugly, undesirable, too ethnic

That golden brown skin that has been taunted because it “wasn’t clean”

The golden brown skin that has been beaten and shunned and abused 

That golden brown skin that is too bright to look at. 

That golden brown skin that glistens in the sunlight 

That golden brown skin that I wake up to every morning

That golden brown skin that defines me, a strong, beautiful, intelligent and powerful black queen

Who don’t take no bullshit

Here I stand asking you to accept me as I am

About Herrin Fontenette:

Herrin Fontenette is a high school student, aspiring actress and historian/curator who is passionate and outspoken about Black issues in America.