In honor of black history month, February, I want to share a poem that my daughter wrote and shared on Facebook.
She is also sharing a post per day to honor her history and culture for the entire month of February.
You can view her posts at The Pink Ravyn Writes.
I Am The Black Woman
I was captured from my home
Bought this a land unknown
Stripped of my power and robbed of my wealth.
Captured in chains, drained of my health.
Given over to heathen who lied to my face.
Who took my innocence and marred me ‘disgrace’.
Left with no identity I searched for a name.
Only to find a life riddled with pain.
Left with no path I carved my own way.
Left with no options I struggled each day.
I was left unappreciated desolate for my skin
A skin so black to ever fit in.
Against all odds I rode above the sea
Swam against the tides just to set me free.
On either side of the shore I was met with only hate.
But I never let the waters drown my little faith.
I kept paddling till I see a land of gold.
I rowed against the current to see the truth unfold.
When life let me down I held my head up high.
Because my crown will only stay on if I look up to the sky.
I saw in heaven the many faces that died just to save my life.
I saw in heaven the Creator and the promises He fulfilled.
In this skin as black as night I saw promises of hope.
I saw promises of love, forgiveness and growth.
I saw the truth and my identity written in my skin.
I saw my story of who I was written in my chains.
My eyes were opened and I saw my history.
I saw who I am now and who I am meant to be.
From my womb I birthed the human race.
From my DNA all people came to shape.
I am created to only elevate.
I am created to become great.
I am who I am in Yah – God with all power.
I am the Black Woman who will never cower.
I am who I am in God of all creations.
I am the Black Woman who brought forth the nations.
Written by Ruth Headlam © 2021
As a black woman, I can relate to every word of this poem.
We do not seek to cast the blame on anyone for our struggles.
We only want you to understand that our past does not define our present or our future.
We are who God created us to be – Black in God’s image and likeness.
Thank you for reading.
Related post – Love Yourself
Becoming the Oil and Wine 
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