If only we were strong enough
As a collective
Not to view professional sports
As the golden ticket
To somehow believe
We are more than our physicality
We could literally create
More than we have already invented
We could absolutely lead
Further than we ever have managed
If only we saw the Negro League
As a point of strength
Not a means to an end
Although we were winning
We claimed it as a failure
As those that are unlike us
Didn’t accept our win
And I just don’t know when
When we will see ourselves
As the victories that we are
Surpassing mediocrity
Elevating from slavery
Yet, are we free?
If only we could see the beauty
Seeing females as if they are princesses and queens
Seeing men as if they are princes and kings
Creating a new narrative
Where celebrating the first
To do something
In someone else’s culture
Is no longer seen as a monumental thing
Where our boundaries and breakthroughs
Are only self defined
Where I don’t need to prove shit to no one
That could care less about me
And I don’t need to trumpet
That I am as good as someone else
I can literally just be myself
If only we could plant new seeds
Nurtured with a new energy
No longer naming this new being
Based on old things
If slavery was such a bad thing
Why do we hold onto to any of it?
The names, the celebrations
Or even the religions
That were only allowed
To ensure we remained a human plow
It wasn’t the relinquishing
Of prison gates that granted freedom
We were simply told we were allowed to go
Up until that point we mentally
Weren’t allowed to go
And still to this day
That very minimal energy
Never balanced the scales
So it’s surprising me
When people say they are free
If only we knew the cost of freedom
Do we give our life?
So that the next life will be free
Do we sacrifice our culture?
Creating it into an economy
So that the next generation
Will have less pressure to fit in
Do we call out the ignorance?
And beg for people
To look at us different
Do we take up arms?
And beg for people
To treat us different
Do we realize
That we aren’t even the root of the issue
Do we continue to ignore
The issues rooted in the formation of this place
It is not anything we can do or not do
There is this every present belief
That the revolt that never happened
Against those of European descent
Will one day happen
Against those of European descent
I have to just tell you
No one wants it to happen
Except those of European descent
If only everyone loved unconditionally…
Sy Bryant 