I had the privilege of being able to see the film "The Hate You Give" a few weeks back. It really opened my eyes to the world around me especially to some things that were not exactly acceptable. It really made me think and pushed me to write along the matter. One thing the main character said is that "If you do not see my blackness you do not see me."

That resonated with me. For so many years I have tried to ignore people that told me I'm not really black because of the way I act. Being educated and smart, while being able to enjoy different types of entertainment does not make me any less black. I am just not what you're used to but you can get over it. This is a poem I wrote entitled:

You Call Me An Oreo, But Is It A Compliment?

I used to take "Oreo" as a joke

Until I realized it wasn't all that funny

But you expect me to drizzle it across my personality

Like tea that needs honey

As if I'm not really black

Because I act "white on the inside"

I didn't know that being educated and morally strong

Peels the soul from my skin in your eyes

Twist and pull me apart

Like Cookies off the cream

Because you'd rather enjoy my soft delightful inside

Than accept my darkness that makes you squeam

"But hold on now," they say.

"I'm just joking I don't see color"

But if you don't. Do you see me?

Because I am a black present that was gifted from my mother

My words are a wildfires intensity

From a mind as chill as winter

Yet I still remain the one called on

When you need the encouragement to get better

Just because my first reaction

isn't to get up in arms when challenged

Doesn't mean I'm not a strong force that is not to be quickly reckoned

I am a strong,

Black,

Peacefully developed

well minded Male No Question

So don't for a second try to take that

And make it anything less than

So no maybe not an oreo because while it is a delightful treat

I am more than just a cookie delectable and called sweet

Every detail about me is filling

And I fear for those who try to digest it all at once

Because my blackness is an empowering entity

With a striking ambiance

I can be anything I choose to be

But I will never settle for a pushover weak

So I hope that an enemy

Is something you wish not to seek