“Our Visibility” Poem (Part one and Two) by Bryanna C.

Part One

I am hidden from you, Even though you see me existing like my ancestors, Skin as dark as soil Whose hair grows upward Because I am in community with the land and the sky.
But I am also in community with you.
You speak, I speak, you stare, I stare
You are forced not to love me, forced not to cherish me.
I manage to get an ounce of your acknowledgement but not your respect.
I was born to be a revolutionary, an activist, A black woman.
Writing about me will get you persecuted.
 I fight for liberation like it’s an obligation.
 Legacy comes naturally.
I will be in your face, Present, unafraid, unapologetic
My presence makes you uncomfortable.
You are taught not to think of me.....
 I do not exist in your mind, I am not included,
They have led you not to
You will never be aware of this contradiction.

Part Two

Class consciousness in America is recognizing why the black woman died giving childbirth.
Why did they allow her to perish?
Class consciousness in America is recognizing the Mississippi appendectomy.
Why did they allow her to be barren?
Black women were maintained.
Beaten if they couldn’t carry…..
Once upon a time….
This is why I ask why…….