Black boy
I cry for you every night
This world has
No love for you
Despite what you may do for it
You have become a target
Something plastered on the news
Something sexualized
Something demonized
Something that you are not
Black boy
I see your hashtags
Every week
Every day
Every hour
They steal your life
Only to capsulize it
on social media
It seems, black boy
That they only see you
For what you have been portrayed
A thug
A thief
A miscreant
A slave
Others prop themselves
Off of your back
Off of your work
Off of your sacrifice
Off of your life
Black boy
Don’t let this fool you
You are more than the lies
And more than headlines
And more than anyone could ever imagine
Black boy
Keep your head up high
Though these troubling tides may push to consume you
Remember that there’s always a masterpiece
After every storm
And one that lies within you
Black boy
Black brother
My brother
Do not be discouraged
Your time will come
A time to repair the you
That has been shattered
Because to me
To you
To us
You, Black boy
Matter
This poem was performed as a spoken word piece for the Just Mercy Summit at Eastern University.
Marissa Mack is an 18 year old graduate of The Christian Academy. She is currently attending Eastern University, where she is studying Psychology. Upon finishing her studies, she hopes to become a High School Guidance Counselor. Marissa has a heart for people and hopes to change lives through her empathy, compassion and sharing her voice.
