"Why are you so angry?" I hate this question and a lot of other Black women probably hate it as well. This isn't just a simple question like it would be regarding any other emotion. There's a long, painful and continuing history behind it. Usually, when someone asks a Black woman this question, it's most likely because she said something very opinionated, and the only logical reasoning for her opinion was that she was angry. If you don't know the context or the deep-rooted issue with this question, I am more than obliged to inform you.

"The Angry Black Woman" isn't a new character. This, my friends, dates back to slavery. Has anyone ever heard of Mammie? I pretty sure we all have jest of Mammie. she refers to the keeper of the house. Fast forward to the Jim Crow era, "Sassy Mammie" grew into this fictional phenomenon where Black women ruled their house and everyone in it with an iron fist. Also, she was able to berate White people, but in reality, Black people could easily be beaten, jailed, or even killed for looking a White people the wrong way.

So, how did this image of the Black woman spread? Ask Amos and Andy. The Amos ’n’ Andy Show was a television show that introduced "Sapphire" to the masses. Sapphire berated her naive husband because of his lack of good judgement and real employment. The show continued the stereotype that Black people were lazy and incompetent while perpetuating the "Sassy Black woman." According to The Root, "Amos ’n’ Andy, with its dim-witted, bumbling, oblivious black male characters and angry black wife, was a clean-faced, 20th-century version of the blackface performances first depicted on the minstrel stage." However, the 21st century isn't innocent because there are television shows and films with the same portrayals of Black characters. But that's tea for another day.

The "Sapphire" character has been used to silence Black women and continues too. Many politicians, commentators and even teachers have used the "Angry Black Woman" to belittle and undermine opinions and comments from Black women. Unfortunately, I have fallen victim to the stereotype. It's hard not become angry when you are constantly bombarded with "she has an attitude" or "why is she so angry?" when you try to stand up for what you believe in. But clearly, I'm not silent. I have a voice and I will and continue to use it. Black women need to be heard and respected. So the next time you hear, "Why are you so angry?", show that person this poem. #blackgirlmagic

Angry Black B****

I’m an Angry Black B****?

I’m Angry, okay?

I’m Black, okay?

I’m a B****, okay?

Am I Angry because I call out injustices against me?

Am I Angry because I refuse to be subjected to abuse?

Am I Angry because my tone isn’t as soft as snow?

These things I do but, I am not your “Angry”.

But I know I’m Black because of the amount of melanin in my skin.

But I know I’m Black because of the circumference of my nose and lips.

But I know I’m Black because of crinkle and snap of the curls you call naps.

These things I know, but, I am not your “Black”.

Am I a B**** because I refuse to only be seen as a** and boobs?

Am I a B**** because I don’t respond to “cat calls” since I’m human?

Or am I B**** because you feel like I’m being aggressive and assertive?

These things I do, but, I am not your “B****”.

Your ignorance and misagony will not grant you an apology.

Because I see the flaws in your thinking and perception of me.

I’m Angry because of people like you and your preconceived notions.

I’m Black because I was fortunate enough to be part of a culture of strength.

And YES I’m a B**** because I have the audacity to stand up for myself.

So yes I’m Angry, Black and a B****, but, not your Angry Black B****.