Dear Black Scholar - An Original Poem

I wrote this poem for every Black Scholar, past and present. This is a reminder.

Dear Black Scholar,

You feel that you have to be perfect.

You feel you must protect your community.

You feel that you must justify your work.

And, you feel that you must defend your humanity

But Dear Black Scholar,

You are not alone in this world.

You do not have to define your presence.

You do not have to fill in for every colored person.

And You are not the spokesperson for everyone and you don't have to be.

You are intelligent and deserve to take up space.

You can talk about Black people and only Black people.

You can choose to show up in places where you are appreciated.

And, You are an invaluable voice needed to move our society.

Dear Black Scholar,

You are not to be silenced.

You do not have to feel guilty for your blackness.

You do not need anyone to validate your work but it's okay to want it.

And, You are not to allow anyone to dim your light.

You are doing incredible work that will change lives.

You can do the unthinkable and still win.

You can speak up about how you feel and what you think.

You are everything your ancestors dreamed you’d be.

Dear Black Scholar,

You wield a birthright power that can never be taken.

You will find your niche.

You will contribute to the greater good

And You will be Free.

Free from Questions and Answers,

Free from Pain & Doubt,

Free from Anxiety & Exhaustion,

Free from Critique & Isolation.

You will be free to just be.

Dear Black Scholar,

Lift your head up,

Wipe your tears,

And keep going.