Nothing like an ignorant tweet to get me riled up. Most people that know me know I hardly ever get mad. However, my love & protection of family, loved ones and particularly children can put me on guard and in “mommy” mode leading me to get pretty pissed when those I care about are attacked.
Now I don’t personally know Quvenzhané Wallis, the lovely 9 year old that made history being the youngest person nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role. I still have yet to actually see the film. But the end of an evening of watching the Oscars awards show, lead to an instant that got me quite livid.
Reference to a tweet by the publication, The Onion, made me check out their timeline where I saw this:
Needless to say, I was appalled that anyone could stoop so low as to calling a 9 year old Black child such a word. After capturing it, shooting a few emails, and requesting an apology, I saw that it was removed (though the damage has already been done as news circulates fast). However, I thought ‘how could I use this to spark something inspiring?’
I thought about the youth I work with and children in my family and that I care for deeply. I also thought about it being Black History Month and the hopes that just because February is coming to an end, we can still educate, nurture and uplift our children in the legacy of those that came before them, who they are, and the endless possibilities of their future.
Then I thought about the lyrics of a song I fell in love with almost a year ago, by Esperanza Spalding. I just want to take this opportunity to share this…to Ms. Wallis and so many other absolutely beautiful, bright, intelligent, talented young girls and boys, you are so loved and so powerful! ..I encourage you to read these words OUT LOUD!!
Hold your head as high as you can
High enough to see who you are, little (wo)man
Life sometimes is cold and cruel
Baby no one else will tell you so remember that
You are Black Gold, Black Gold
You are Black Gold
Now maybe no one else has ever told you so
But you’re golden, baby
Black Gold with a diamond soul
Think of all the strength you have in you
From the blood you carry within you
Ancient men, powerful men
Builders of civilization
They’ll be folks hell-bent on putting you down
Don’t get burned’
Cause not necessarily everyone will know your worth
Hold your head as high as you can
High enough to see who you are, little man
Life sometimes is cold and cruel
Baby no one else will tell you so remember that
You are Black Gold, Black Gold
YOU ARE BLACK GOLD….
Check out the video and song: