Black People, A Poem by Charel Murrell

In honor of Black History Month, Charel Murrell, Prevention and Survivor Leadership Manager wrote a poem and shared it with our staff at a recent Black History and Futures celebration. Her spoken word moved our entire team, and she has graciously given My Life My Choice permission to share it here.

BLACK PEOPLE

Black People, History has caused pain and tender to the heart,

we must not stop as, we tear down hate and we celebrate all the accomplishments of our ancestors

-they stood up for freedom and equality without hesitation…. oh they were so patient

Black People, know who you are let’s not allow other to define us

position to transition into who you were and are designed too…Be

Black People, trying times all the time, fighting for the right to share space at all times seems easier at times, but can come with lines

Lines that separate us from each other, but we must learn to continue to love one another

Black people, these wounds sink deeper than a bullet the pain we share because of our beautiful melanated skin
but the fears that resonate within ourselves we’ve learned to debate that there are others that can cannot relate

Black People, who knew as a little kid this was what was in our parent’s skin

The love they wanted for us, along with the win

Black People when I say win I mean to stand up strong and tall and fight from within the core of your being

Some people are desensitized when they see us cry because they don’t understand why

Black People remember we are to lead those generations to come without the shame and the guilt, but to let them know that we’re built to take up space, to lead with grace

To learn that we have a place in every space with every race, including our own

Black People we are stars that shines to the core of those that hate, hated, and for sure we will be Black

Brave

Loving

Able

Capable

Keeper of this Race and we will face all that comes with the win of being part of the black human race!

 - Charel Murrell