Black Kids Need to See Black Excellence

By Kelsie Coleman

Black Kids Need to See Black Excellence 

Black writers are important for Black girls like me 

So that we know and can also believe 

That our gifts and work are important to see 

It mirrors an example and sparks up a flame 

That clicks in your mind and heart that This could be me one day

It puts confidence in your step and broadens your shoulders 

Instilling a pride in your heart that transcends into your craft 

You feel like for once, you belong in the world 

To see faces like yours 

Hear voices like yours 

And read work from talent like your own is special nonetheless 

Knowing that so many great individuals paved the way just for you 

Means you’ve been blessed 

Blessed to be able to write what you want to 

Raise your voice as you’d like 

To be seen as who you are because it’s your God given right 

Knowing that our history 

Is more than slavery, racism, prejudice, and oppression 

That people like us also overcame 

And became something more than the whips on our ancestors’ backs 

More than picking Cotton In fields 

Being belittled and abused 

We are more than “Massa” tried to work out of us 

You see, that was just a portion of our history 

Pick up different books, and then you’ll see 

We are writers, engineers, scientists, and astronauts 

Doctors, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs

Public speakers, preachers, poets, and actors

You are more than the eye can see 

And after 30 years 

I know that it was more than important 

To see writers like ME!  

By Kelsie Coleman