Token Black
The Disparaging Race
Perhaps you thought this should be a rap
about how much I love being Black.
But there’s a lot of misconception, you see,
about what it means to be melanated me.
For I am what you call a Token Black,
a fate once fulfilled by Whites means your career’s a wrap.
Affirmative Action and all that’s a load hooey,
best to be flushed like a chunk of dookie.
I’d rather face the racist face-to-face.
Forcing them to mask their hate is such a waste.
Token Blacks become strange fruit like a raisin in the sun,
our journey ended before a magical run or it’s even begun.
There’s so much more about what it means
to go through this life as colored little me.
About The Author
Stephanie is a freelance writer and editor, educator and consultant. To learn more, visit stephaniebradberry.com
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About the Creator
Stephanie J. Bradberry
I have a passion for literature and anime. And I love everything involving academia, health, metaphysics and entrepreneurship. For products and services, visit stephaniebradberry.com
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Comments (37)
A potent poem! I really liked the line "Token Blacks become strange fruit like a raisin in the sun,"- is 'strange fruit' a Billie Holiday reference?
Powerful. Thank you
A poignant piece!
Black is beautiful
That's so interesting to hear your perspective, thank you for putting it out.
That’s was great fun, while obviously filled with your important messages. I’m a white male born into a predominantly black family. In my youth I had real issues with being treated “differently” by my family. I was always segregated, when gifts were being handed out, mine was always the worst. But as I grew older I saw the racism my family endured and I cannot help but wonder (because nobody is left to ask) if my great grandmother (and her children) was trying to teach me what it was like to be black in a country where black voices were never allowed to be heard.
Your words beautifully capture the complexities of being Black in a society that often oversimplifies our experiences."
it is a nice one , we are all human and we are from one source , ALLAH create us
very nice
Dear Stephanie ! Your poem encourages open dialogue and confrontation of racism, rather than allowing it to be masked or ignored. Keep using your words to raise awareness and promote understanding. Well done!
So much candor sweetened with bitter honey. Very nicely done! I appreciate the bold word choice and rhythm.
Oh wow, very powerful and with a bit of humor. It's an interesting point of view, 'rather face the racists face to face than have them mask their hate' I really liked that line. Well done!
This is the story of my life. Thank you for this one!
Wow that was powerful congratulations on a well deserved top story.
👍👍👍
Lovely ❤️💯Congratulations on Top Story🎉💜✨😉
Even if said in a thousand different ways. Does it ever change we wonder. Always hope. Congrats on TS.
This powerful poem challenges the idea of tokenism and highlights the realities of being a person of color in a society that perpetuates systemic racism and discrimination.
This hit very close to home. I grew up in a white neighborhood so of course the school was 95% white. I experienced the token right away but didn't fully understand racism until a guy called me pubic head (referring to my afro) He was an A**hole to everyone. His comment was the beginning of me embracing who I was and defending my culture. Thanks for writing and sharing this.
Well done, great
This is so well stated. I work in the non profit world and sometimes I feel the racism is worse than for profit especially in leadership/management roles. Congratulations on your top story too!
I appreciated reading your important insight on this important topic. Thank you for sharing it! :)
I get where you are coming from. I try not to get so frustrated by things happening. Especially when I've seen how far the United States has come and then in these last 6 years to witness all the backwards steps we've been taking. It really is a shame. I hope that we can get back to a point where the United States progresses forward instead of moving backward.
Congratulations on Top Story!!!
Seriously wonderful and brilliant! Congrats on top story- very deserving!