Poem: “Black Dignity, 2020” by Tiffany Nicole Fletcher

This poem is, among several things, a celebration of Black creators in whose works we are reminded of our beauty and dignity. Their creations are our mirrors – the reflection is truth.

Black Dignity, 2020

by Tiffany Nicole Fletcher

We've been waking up every day to find a world 

debating our worth,

to men of old trying to resurrect a system breathing its last

breath.

We hurt we cry we scream we terror we fear

we fight forward we unite we hope we build 

and

we hold up mirrors to one another.

   The reflections are wearing crowns.

   Their pigmented flesh shines like starlight.

   They speak ancient wisdom; they know.

We gaze into their eyes and understand, finally--

 

breathless with laughter,

as we remember the truth.