I am black, yes dark chocolate - By Danelle Miller

Written By: Danelle Miller

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Danelle Miller makes a stirring contribution with her poem, "I am black, yes dark chocolate." This piece is featured in the poetry category and invites readers to reflect on themes of identity, race, and self-acceptance. With a title that boldly asserts pride and individuality, Miller's work resonates deeply with its audience, encouraging a celebration of one's natural self in a world that often promotes conformity.

About the Work

Miller's poem is a powerful exploration of identity and cultural pride. It addresses the societal pressures that lead individuals to alter their appearance, highlighting the importance of embracing one's natural beauty. Through vivid imagery and candid language, Miller challenges the reader to consider the implications of these changes. The poem's tone is both reflective and assertive, with a clear message that beauty lies in authenticity and self-love.

I am black, yes dark chocolate

Original Submission by Danelle Miller

I am black yes Dark Chocolate

There’s nothing wrong with being black

Same as though there is nothing wrong with being white

It’s changing who we are is what’s wrong

If we black like tar or chocolate brown, whatever

Why should we bleach?

To look like the whites?

We cream our hair

Maybe cause it too tough

But then we bleach ourselves

Then get sunburn cause melanin gone

The process is real though

After bleaching,

Even though tar was the colour before

An overflow of blackness will just show

So you mean to tell me

That to prevent the overflow of blackness from bleaching the skin

You will continue to bleach?

Sad thing is, when the sun boil the sea and fry the fish

You will see some people head to toe cover with clothes

Even if them hot

I know I won’t bleach

I love my shin

Black is beauty

Plus bleach in itself is just too much

I could care less if Jamaicans are a bunch of mixed race

For what is real, we are still one people

Black mixed with white

Black mixed with Chinese

Black mixed with everybody

It’s the motto, out of every one people

All people need to do

Is accept their fond identity

This is the black man culture

The culture we can only identify with

So whether you black like tar,

Dark chocolate, brown or

A little light but still black

Remember it is us the mixed race that identify who we are

But wait, don’t you dare tell me!

That white man want to be black too

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of written expression. The competition invites participants from around the world to showcase their talents in poetry and creative writing. It serves as a beacon for emerging voices and established writers to present their work to a global audience, fostering a rich exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Danelle Miller for her thought-provoking submission, "I am black, yes dark chocolate," in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work enriches the conversation around identity and self-acceptance, and we are honored to feature her voice in this esteemed event. Thank you, Danelle, for sharing your powerful message with us.

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.