Here’s to our Black Kings

Dear Black Kings,

We see you,
Shining for the world to see.

And you are bright.

In your freshly ironed suits,
And your brand new jays,
With a fresh cut.

You look handsome!

But, to get to where you are now,
It wasn’t easy…was it?

From the start, there is
An assumption of just who you are.

The chance of showing your talent,
Isn’t given all of the time.

And it is hard.

You wake up, tired.
With emotions wanting to break free,
And thoughts wanting to be let go.

Please know,
You are not alone.

We see you.

We see you taking care of your family,
Taking care of that special lady.

We see the creation of your own brands,
The bravery of expressing yourself.

We see the success in your education,
The strength in pushing forward everyday,
And the love you share with others.

Never forget,
You are seen.

We love you.

Here’s to our Black Queens

Dear Black Queens,

You are beautiful.

Don’t compare yourself to those around you.
You’ve got so much to offer.

Don’t look down on yourself.
Remember, there’s only one you.

Don’t think you aren’t enough,
Because you are.

You are powerful,
As you carry the world on your shoulders.

You are lively,
As you dress how you want to express your personality.

You are brave,
As you walk the streets with your head held high.

You are inspirational,
As you work in fields that are dominated by men.

You constantly give and give,
And still stay on your feet.

And most of all,
You are a queen.

Every part of you,
Is a part of your crown
And your alluring aura.

Continue to bloom as you are,
And become who you dream to be.

We love you.

Black Kings and Queens together

We are one.

My sister,
My brother.

Together, in harmony.

A community.
A village.
A family.

We stand,
And walk down paths,
With our heads held high.

Arm in arm,
Hand in hand,
We move forward.

Our hearts,
Are filled,
With love and compassion.

Our minds,
Are excited,
For knowledge and conversation.

Our souls,
Intertwined,
Forever connected.

No matter,
Where we are,
Where we go,
We take care of each other.

We protect,
Teach,
And grow.

We are one.

My king,
My queen.

I love you.

Edited by Ever Cole, ecole@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Sterling Sewell and Lauren Courtney