Believe

A poem to begin this Black History Month...

Happy Black History Month! Throughout February I’ll be sharing poems with themes of race and mixed identity. If these words resonate with you, join me in sharing these posts and dialoguing in the comments. And of course, I’d love to know how you are celebrating black history and excellence all month!

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This poem burst forth from an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward the black women who have made me who I am today: my mom, my aunts, my grandma, my great-aunts. They’ve nurtured and championed me in a glorious way that almost makes me ache. Their love is embodied, monumental. And the miracle of it all is that their ability to elevate and encourage is not hindered by the barriers they have faced. They have endured too many injustices, too many losses, to be as kind and strong and beautiful as they are. And yet, they give. They press on. They believe.

This is for my family, my ancestors, who have been bringers of life and love for centuries. This is for all the black people who are daily miracles in this racialized world. I promise to believe along with you.