Dear black child, you are beautiful.

Your skin is home to rich, plentiful melanin that mimics the warmth in your copper eyes.

You are a product of the sun’s loving kisses.

The width of your nose and the pout of your lips were passed down to you through generations, and across oceans.

When magazines fail to show you anything other than pale and porcelain, I will tug your curls and remind you that even if the world turns away from you, nobody can stop your grace from filling every space you enter.

May you believe in your beauty every day.

Dear black child, you matter.

Every breath you breathe is worth fighting for.

Every beat of your heart, worthy of respect.

Signs are held in weathered hands, and hope in tired eyes, for you.

Feet march endlessly for the soul you keep.

You cradle as much life in you as there ever was, and ever will be.

When you hear of yet another injustice against your brothers and sisters, and find me with tears running down your brown cheeks, I will kiss your nose and remind you of the love and strength you came from.

May you believe in your worth every day.