Because I'm black

I stand before you, prominently with MD after my name; because I'm black, you hesitate.

I walk in the street with a ball under my arm and sneakers; because I'm black, you think I'm an athlete.

It's late at night, your car is broken as I approach; because I'm black, you are afraid.

I'm on a bus and give up my seat; because I'm black, you think I had to.

I'm loud and happy; because I'm black, you think I'm high.

I sit in the park and your children aproach me; because I'm black, you call them back.

In many, many parts of the world, I'm seen as normal; because I'm black, I am accepted.