More Than the Melanin
I asked a racially diverse group of elementary school students to look at me and describe what they saw. They said:
My color is a symbol of strength. The same strength Harriet Tubman used when liberating other slaves while battling long-term head trauma after being hit, by a slave owner.
My color is a symbol of sorrow. I weep for my brothers and sisters who feel limited by society, and cannot recognize their God-given talent and potential.
My color is a symbol of soul. The same soul Sam Cooke sang "A Change is Gonna Come" with, in 1963.
My color is a symbol of spirit. The same spirit Cicely Tyson exhibits in all of her acting roles, interviews and speeches.
My color is a reminder that I am destined for greatness. My color is beautiful, but it is more than just melanin.
Below are responses to the question: "What does being black mean to you?"
- Black
- Light-skinned
- Poofy, wild hair
- Girl
- Brown eyes
- Happy
My color is a symbol of strength. The same strength Harriet Tubman used when liberating other slaves while battling long-term head trauma after being hit, by a slave owner.
My color is a symbol of sorrow. I weep for my brothers and sisters who feel limited by society, and cannot recognize their God-given talent and potential.
My color is a symbol of soul. The same soul Sam Cooke sang "A Change is Gonna Come" with, in 1963.
My color is a symbol of spirit. The same spirit Cicely Tyson exhibits in all of her acting roles, interviews and speeches.
My color is a reminder that I am destined for greatness. My color is beautiful, but it is more than just melanin.
Below are responses to the question: "What does being black mean to you?"