The Strong Black Woman is Dead! Or Is She?
This was written as my response to the original poem, “Being a Strong Black Woman Can Get U Killed” by Laini Mataka. Hope you like it…
The Strong Black Woman is Dead! Or Is She?
No she’s not dead
she’s just experienced a rebirth.
Through the memories
of her daughters and granddaughters
who have learned
from her triumphs and failures
and realized
that strength is knowing
when to ask for help
when to cry out
when to be silent;
She’s realized
that what she’s experienced
does not define or confine her
that pride which prohibits healing
is no longer a banner
but a prison;
She’s realized
that she is a word spoken from God
and as such
cannot
will not
return to Him void.
In essence she’s come full circle
in realizing that
servitude was not the problem
just the master she served;
She’s realized
that being proactive
is much more effective than being reactive
so she chooses her battles wisely
knowing when to fight
and when to let it go
her choice of weapons being
an education
proper financial planning
and community involvement
to enrich the next generation;
She’s realized
that it rains on the just and the unjust
so she’s chosen
not to harbor
a sense of injustice;
She’s realized
that comparisons are self-defeating
so she’s chosen
to celebrate her uniqueness
and strive for her personal best;
She’s realized
that loving
not giving up on the black man
is key
so she’s chosen
to start with her brothers
uncles, cousins, nephews
sons and grandsons
for she knows
the viral power of love;
She’s realized
that submission to her mate
does not equate servitude
so she’s chosen
to embrace the peerless system
of checks and balances
as designed by God;
But most of all
she’s chosen…to forgive
live in the present
and love…always love.
Selfless
committed
love
which takes
uncommon strength.
Copyright © 2005 D.S. White, All Rights Reserved
June 4th, 2006 14:54
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October 25th, 2007 12:35
Black Classic Press
phone: 410.358.0980
fax: 410.358.0987
http://www.blackclassicbooks.com
October 25, 2007
Dear Website Publisher,
It has come to our attention that there is a poem posted on your website that is an alteration of a copyrighted work by poet Laini Mataka. The altered version, which has had a long life circulating on the internet, is usually identified as “The Strong Black Woman is Dead” or some variation to that effect. The original poem titled, Bein A Strong Black Woman Can Get U Killed, is the signature poem in her book of the same name. While it is clear that Ms. Mataka’s work touches many of us, it is also unfortunate that her creative expression has been stolen, changed, taken out-of-context, co-opted, inappropriately used, and in many cases, plagiarized.
As Ms. Mataka’s publisher, we are requesting that you either remove the poem from the site or, should you wish to continue to share the poem for non-commercial purposes, contact us for the original (and correct) poem. Please note that the poem must appear as is and clearly identifying Ms. Mataka as the author. Any discrepancies or adaptations of it are a misrepresentation of Ms. Mataka’s work.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Natalie Stokes
Associate Publisher