Black Is Beautiful

As a child, i was told to alter myself

I was told that being big wasn’t good for my health

I was told that a natural fro wasn’t cute

But i am black and these are my roots

Being black, i have been told all kinds of words

I covered my ears but alas i heard

I heard all the things that a child shouldn’t hear

But i had to remain strong, no i couldn’t shed a tear

How could you tell me black isn’t beautiful

How could you say that a black woman isn’t suitable

Black is within me, coursing through my veins

If i weren’t black, i’d probably go insane

I love my skin tone, as it is a part of me

It took me awhile to know just how beautiful black could be

Please don’t tell me i’m ugly because of my skin

Because i’ll just tell you that i’m proud of the skin i'm in.