Being Black - By Alindile

Written By: Alindile

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Alindile presents a compelling poetic exploration titled "Being Black," a submission to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. In the realm of poetry, Alindile delves into the multifaceted experiences of Black identity, contrasting life in America, the UK, and Africa. This reflective piece captures the complexities and nuances of living as a Black individual across different societies, offering a poignant look into themes of belonging, identity, and resilience.

About the Work

"Being Black" traverses the landscapes of America, the UK, and Africa, painting a vivid picture of the varied experiences tied to Black identity. Alindile's work is rich with themes of struggle and pride, using emotive language to convey the reality of systemic challenges and cultural pride. The poem balances a somber mood with a resilient spirit, using powerful imagery to highlight the contrasts between oppression and freedom.

Being Black

Original Submission by Alindile

Being Black

I don't know what it means

To be black in America,

Living within a minority

With my own government

Not treating me as

A Priority

Having to work ten times as hard.

As any other race because

I'm seen as lesser than,

But I'm good enough to bow

To someone they view as greater than.

I don't know what it means

To be Black in America,

Moving in fear within my own

Community.

Praying before I leave the house

Because I don't know

If I'll make it back.

Children can't play in

The streets in peace

Because those who are supposed

To Protect would rather

Do anything but protect me.

I don't know what it means

To be black in America.

Can't finish school because

It's easier to pull

A trigger.

Would rather sell drugs,

Have sex and be quick

To kill because

I don't have as many

Opportunities.

Would rather be a rapper,

An athlete or be

A criminal,

Over fighting for a better future.

I don't know what it means

To be black in the UK.

Having to look my colonizer with

Pride because I was

BORN here.

Seeing my own through a linear

Worldview because of what

The Colonizer taught me.

Choosing to fight against my own

Because I want my masters to be happy.

I don't know what it means

To be black in the UK.

Looking at the streets my ancestors

Died to pave and feel little remorse.

Turning my face away,

When those from my home

Also come for the opportunities

I fought for.

Fighting for the scraps

While my masters feast on a buffet.

I don't know what it means

To be black in America.

And I certainly don't know

What it means to be

Black in the UK.

But I know what it means

To be black in Africa.

Waking up and my neighbor is the a mirror image.

First words spoken are,

"Molo mhlobo wami."

Feeling at peace because

I'm don't need to fit in,

Because everyone looks

Like ME.

I know what it means

To be black in Africa.

Walking the streets with little,

To no fear.

I don't shiver nor shake

When I see those who

Are supposed to protect me.

Seeing kids running up and down

The streets with not a care

In the world,

About the pain in the world.

I know what it means

To be black in Africa.

Working hard because

Those who came before me,

Fought for me to stand here.

Smiling because I don't need

To pretend to be something I'm not.

Moving with grace

In a continent where

Everyone is as black

As me.

I'm not spreading hate nor prejudice.

I'm not trying to open old wounds

Even if they feel fresh.

I'm just explaining my view

Of the color of my skin.

The color that allows me

To walk freely where I'm from.

Yes, we don't have everything in order.

And yes, we've been told we're barbaric.

But if being barbaric means embracing

The beauty of my skin,

Then I am a Proud Barbarian.

A Proud Black, African Barbarian.​

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of the written word, inviting participants from around the world to share their unique voices and perspectives. This prestigious competition aims to foster creativity and cultural expression, providing a platform for writers and poets to showcase their work in a global arena.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alindile for sharing "Being Black" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your powerful articulation of Black identity across different cultures offers profound insight and enriches the tapestry of this competition. Thank you, Alindile, for your courageous and evocative contribution.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.