2020: A Year of Collective Loss for Black America

{CONTENT WARNING: death, COVID-19, trauma, and police brutality. A 10-minute read.} I think “It” started on January 26th with the news that Kobé Bryant, his daughter and seven others had perished in a helicopter crash. We had just landed for one of two layovers between Shreveport and Las Vegas when the news broke. I recall…

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Oh, You See Me

Oh, you see me I’m big and I’m black and I’m loud, and That’s the problem isn’t it? I won’t shut up I won’t sit down You can’t monetize my pain I won’t let you pimp my praise You see me, yet You see the me you need to see, so You can keep seeing…

When I Say I’m Tired

When I say I’m tired Please don’t get it twisted, don’t misconstrue I’m not tired and bowing out, no I’m tired of explaining myself to you I’m tired of holding it in, and Sucking it up And swallowing words that become Swords that cut me from the inside I’m tired of you and your excuses…

We Still Can’t Breathe

I can’t breathe. I’m not even sure you care See, my breath accompanies my voice, and My voice amplifies my pain Pain of being overlooked once again Discounted and dismissed My words are twisted to satisfy your ego Your mistreatment, and Your refusal to see me and hear Your words carry the weight and the…

I Can’t Breathe… And I’m Tired of Trying

While still contending with a global pandemic, I read about yet another lynching. Like so many before it, this too was committed by men in blue. Over the past few months, I have seen too many video accounts or read way too many headlines listing black men and women either being assaulted or killed for…