Yay, it’s February again and that means we have a whole month of celebrating Black history. I know it’s not celebrated in the UK until October but hey! I can celebrate again in October right?????

Last year, I wrote a story/poem inspired by Black History Month – you can read it here.This year, in the spirit of me pushing myself to write and share more, I want to write something about Black History and what it means to me EVERY SINGLE day in February. As I type this, I realise I’m putting immense pressure on myself but *insert inappropriate swear word here*. I’d also add music at the end of my posts by iconic black musicians who (I feel) have made an impact on black culture (because why the hell not)!

I’ve always known I was a Black woman but I was never really aware that people might have an issue with my skin colour and race until 2010. I mean, I grew up in Africa… Nigeria to be exact and to me, we were all the same – capable of doing the same things, open to the same opportunities, exposed to the same ideologies.

Then one day, I found myself on another continent and suddenly the colour of my skin started to matter. I had to check boxes that defined who I was – Black? Black African? I found myself having to explain the difference between box braids and plaits, bantu knots and flat twists, weaves, extensions… I even had people touch my hair without asking. I’ve been looked down on, been asked where I am from ‘originally’. Heck, once I was even asked if I could speak English!!!

Guess what, I’m black and I’m different – why should it matter??? I’m never going to change the colour of my skin, or deny years of history to fit into a box that society wants to put me in! I am who I am, regardless of the colour of my skin

I’m never going to change the colour of my skin, or deny years of history to fit into a box that society wants to put me in! I am who I am – a wholesome, confident person who happens to be black 🙂

Why should I be defined by the colour of my skin?
Does my being black bother you?
Is my oozing confidence making you uncomfortable?
I’m black and I’ proud

I will not limit myself
For fear of being stereotyped
I will chase my dreams like you do
I am black and proud

I am not dirty
I am not weak
I am not a hooligan
I am black and proud

No, I do not know anyone in jail
And we really don’t all look alike!
Stop stereotyping me
I am black and proud

Don’t stand there
Pretending like you understand
The struggle my people have overcome
I am black and proud

I will not be quiet!
I stand here free today
Thankful to those before me
Who refused to let their shackled hands and feet
Stop the power of their speech
I am black and proud

I will stand tall…
Let the beautiful golden sun
Illuminate my glistening black skin
Drying out my untamed hair
As I strut in all my glory
I am black and proud

#BlackandProud #BlackGirlMagic #MelaninPopping #BlackHistoryMonth

** Photo credit – Westerneye