Dear Beautifully Melanated People

What a tough couple of Yearsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss we've had

We've seen the broadcasting of black bodies being brutalized

We've mourned, marched, and mobilized

meeting the eyes of our oppressors

demanding to be seen

And still, we stand

Still, we survive

Still. We. Rise.

But now,

Now we must thrive

Heal those festering wounds

Bandaged with the strength of will

And our inherited survivor's denial

My strong beautifully Melanated People,

Black Joy and peace is also part of the resistance

And If Black Lives are really to truly, truly MATTER

then so should our minds, hearts, tears, hopes, and dreams

My Beautifully Melanated people, we deserve to take the time to heal and just be.