Can’t talk right now, much to your surprise
I’m not busy or angry, I just have tired eyes
Wouldn’t you be? Tired.
Being Black and a woman in America,
You’re Inherently scrutinized
Two strikes, Before I even come up to bat,
Like my chicken, marinate in that
As Black woman, we don’t need acceptance
We Deserve respect, and people to protect us
For all my sisters who weren’t
I ask for repentance,
Breona Taylor, Natasha McKenna,
Sandra Bland and Riah Milton,
To name a few, and sadly a few, of my Black queens
They can’t talk right now, their life line disconnected
In a world that never acknowledges our existence
rather imitate, emulate, and humiliate our essence
Can’t do too much just enough
Milking down our appearance
To fit your unattainable preference
Cause every gesture we make
With hands or our face
Every word we spew
Leaves people uncomfortable or blue
Have Black cool without Black Burden
News Flash, that choice It isn’t up to you
Whatever we do is destined to be reviewed
Well, If that’s the case,
Listen up, here is my view,
Black girl, Hot Girl,
Made by the same mother.
For if there is one
There has to be the other.
Being a Hot Girl isn’t just physical
It’s a mindset that ain’t typical.
Your love for the culture, subtle
Our hustle illustrates our struggle
The Hottest thing about a black woman
We can hold it down, and
Without us you probably drown
But I am not your momma,
Your Nanny, our mood board
Although our lives are ignored
We cast ourselves as main characters
Order has been restored
We ain’t uppity or loud
Just pretty and proud
The only praise
Black women recieve
From fellow women of color,
doing their thang
The only form of liberation
is being ourselves, without expectations
So Sign me up, where’s my pen
Seeing Black women be confident and hot
Brings joy within
Giving ourselves permission
To make a complete transition
Unlearning the engraved systematic position
Processing our pain freely
And removing its stain
Setting boundaries with love
that will always remain
becoming complete entities
Desirable and lovable
Smart and prosperous like the Huxtables
Basking in life’s independence
You name it we are reclaiming it
Therefore, I can’t talk right now,
I am doing Black Girl S***
Creative Direction and Words by Tamia Haskins
Talent is Milan, StaiSha , Zina
Photography and Videography by Shelby Wood
Video Editing by Lauren Helgason
Audio Editing by Mark