To understand is to acknowledge we don't know
recognizing that all people are different but equal
accepting that we all feel pain, and none is superior
We don't know another's past nor their struggles
the many masks that we wear and the things we've overcome
To understand is to have empathy and acknowledgement
knowing that our world isn't based on equality
it’s based on lies, deceit, and wanting to be other than who we are
that our world is run on fears and too often we cower
and ignore each other’s struggles and sorrows
where we’re forced into submission
To understand means to not ignore the prevalence of racism or biases
not to ignore the impact of our words and actions
including our inactions to the injustices all around us
that myths surround our black citizens and our women
yet so many continue to live in ignorance out of pride and arrogance
Despite our citizens who are prejudiced against having more empathy and
compassion than the majority of white America
out of fear of feeling inferior to another.
To understand that we don't have many races
there is only one race and that's the human race
our pigment doesn't define what's inside
and is changed by genetics, diseases, and the sun
something none can control but our hearts are by our choice
What we say and do is what really matters
for centuries blacks peacefully protested to little avail
but when whites join, then change begins
This is not justice Black Lives Matter, too.
To understand means to shed hate
and acknowledge we are all slaves in different ways
Whether we are slaves to our fears, money, or the system
That Racist America doesn't even know why they hate
but despite blacks having a reason most love instead
For Racist America to acknowledge it’s based on fears
fear of having their illusions of superiority shattered
fear of feeling inferior and humble
knowing that if roles were reversed suicides would soar.
To understand means to acknowledge we need change
that not all people are sexist or racist,
but to remain silent allows evil to prevail,
being different or thinking different is okay
but it’s not okay to hate and divide
to reasons to divide and put our noses in the air
nor to live in ignorance to continue our delusions
but to know we are all one race - the human race!
Written by Mika'eel
Comments