Token Black
The Disparaging Race
Perhaps you thought this should be a rap
about how much I love being Black.
But there’s a lot of misconception, you see,
about what it means to be melanated me.
For I am what you call a Token Black,
a fate once fulfilled by Whites means your career’s a wrap.
Affirmative Action and all that’s a load hooey,
best to be flushed like a chunk of dookie.
I’d rather face the racist face-to-face.
Forcing them to mask their hate is such a waste.
Token Blacks become strange fruit like a raisin in the sun,
our journey ended before a magical run or it’s even begun.
There’s so much more about what it means
to go through this life as colored little me.
About The Author
Stephanie is a freelance writer and editor, educator and consultant. To learn more, visit stephaniebradberry.com
Read More
About the Creator
Stephanie J. Bradberry
I have a passion for literature and anime. And I love everything involving academia, health, metaphysics and entrepreneurship. During my free time I enjoy nature, crocheting, reading, my kiddos, and writing.
Visit me @ stephaniebradberry.com
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Keep reading
More stories from Stephanie J. Bradberry and writers in Poets and other communities.
Praying on the weak
The mirror showed a reflection that wasn’t my own. It showed my lonely chambers, in the back of a cold church. It showed Alby Duncan and his daughter, Lucy, standing behind me. Alby had been a member of my flock so long that I remember Lucy being born. 19 years ago that was. It was always a delight to see them. Lucy smiled at me in the mirror. “Hello, Father Morris,” she says.
By Shane Dobbiea day ago in Fiction
Comments (26)
This is the story of my life. Thank you for this one!
Wow that was powerful congratulations on a well deserved top story.
👍👍👍
Lovely ❤️💯Congratulations on Top Story🎉💜✨😉
Congratulations on top story 👏 a great read
Even if said in a thousand different ways. Does it ever change we wonder. Always hope. Congrats on TS.
This powerful poem challenges the idea of tokenism and highlights the realities of being a person of color in a society that perpetuates systemic racism and discrimination.
This hit very close to home. I grew up in a white neighborhood so of course the school was 95% white. I experienced the token right away but didn't fully understand racism until a guy called me pubic head (referring to my afro) He was an A**hole to everyone. His comment was the beginning of me embracing who I was and defending my culture. Thanks for writing and sharing this.
Well done, great
This is so well stated. I work in the non profit world and sometimes I feel the racism is worse than for profit especially in leadership/management roles. Congratulations on your top story too!
I appreciated reading your important insight on this important topic. Thank you for sharing it! :)
I get where you are coming from. I try not to get so frustrated by things happening. Especially when I've seen how far the United States has come and then in these last 6 years to witness all the backwards steps we've been taking. It really is a shame. I hope that we can get back to a point where the United States progresses forward instead of moving backward.
Congratulations on Top Story!!!
Seriously wonderful and brilliant! Congrats on top story- very deserving!
I'm so glad this made Top Story. An important piece 👏
This is excellent.
This is awesome - from the striking title to all your amazing word choices - a masterstroke of genius! Love it, Stephanie! Such an important piece - so deserving of Top Story!
The title is slamming good, and the poem is too. Great work, and congratulations on Top Story.
Fabulous piece. Congrats on the Top Story
Congratulations on your Top Story, great poem
So powerful! I love this, Stephanie 💕🙂
Outstanding.. I loved it💖
Melanated me, I loved that so much! This was such a powerful poem!
thanks for sharing,
Super poem, Stephanie!!! 💖💖💕