In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Day and Black History Month, here is a unique perspective into my life and my story.
What does it mean to be mixed?
I asked my parents at the age of 6.
Is it because of my curly hair or my funny grin?
My dad replied, "It is because of your skin."
What do I do? Can it be fixed?
What silly questions I asked at the age of 6.
My parents proceeded to tell me the story
Of a man who on this day receives glory.
I do not know if you have met this man;
They said he was black, and his name was Martin.
In an attempt to cure my curious little mind,
They told me of a world that was once blind.
They told me of the marches, the boycotts, the bans,
The riots, the prejudice, and even the clans.
They said this man gave the blind world sight;
In the darkness, he gave them light.
He gave the world a new perspective
So that maybe things would not be so hectic.
He gave them justice, equality, love,
He gave them his dreams and words from above.
He gave them justification for what he saw as right.
He told them it is not simply a matter of black and white.
When can I meet him? Where does he live?
What silly questions I asked at the age of 6.
With my head in my hands and my eyes tearing up,
Across the table my mom told me to look up.
My dad smiled and proceeded to say
Things impossible to state in a simple way.
Because I am black and your mom is white,
Before Dr. King, our relationship would not be right.
There used to be people, who did not understand,
The knowledge King gave us when he took a stand.
He gave us a chance to have an equal education,
Despite previous efforts in our nation.
He gave us a family in a derogatory world,
Now we have two beautiful baby girls.
He gave us justice, equality, love,
He gave us his dreams and words from above.
He gave us justification for what we saw as right.
He told us it is not simply a matter of black and white.
Mommy, mommy, Can I be his friend?
What silly questions I asked at the age of 6.
I used to wonder the same thing, she said.
I had all the same questions in my head.
Before your dad, I had not been exposed
To the world that he so well knows.
His world was accompanied by prejudice and strife
While mine was a much more easy life.
I now know that God brought your dad to me
To show me how to love more genuinely.
When I first learned about Martin Luther King Jr.,
I had no idea what he would give my future.
He gave me a family where it once was not an option
And a perspective of hope where there once was corruption.
He gave me justice, equality, love,
He gave me his dreams and words from above.
He gave me justification for what I saw as right.
He told me it is not simply a matter of black and white.
But Dad, Mom, what did he give me?
What silly questions I asked at the age of 6.
How much I have grown since that day
I now know why those words were so difficult to say.
My life has been shaped by those before me,
So now I am able to tell MY story.
Dr. King gave me a gift that no one else can,
He gave me the chance to live in my own skin.
He gave me friends who now see my heart
And a passion for justice that I hope to impart.
He gave me challenges to overcome
And stereotypes to nip in the bud.
But most of all he gave me a chance to be both black and white
And that is an honor, a true delight.
Now think about what he has given you
Whether you are black, white, or the color blue.
He gave you justice, equality, love,
He gave you his dreams and words from above.
He gave you justification for what you see as right.
He told you it is not simply a matter of black and white.
