A poem for Black History Month by Together Ravenhill Way Accommodation Service User, Llatoya Jackson

Black History Month runs through October and the theme for 2022 is Time for Change: Action Not Words. Full details can be found at https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/black-history-month-2022/. Llatoya Jackson is a resident at our Ravenhill Way Accommodation Service in Luton and wrote this poem, which we thought would be fitting to put out during the month, celebrating her identity as a strong black woman:

STRONG BLACK WOMAN

I am a strong black woman, that’s who I am.

Don’t have no need, to depend on no man.

Independent that is me, I speak my own mind, that’s the best way to be.

Don’t try and be me, find your own style and grace,

I’m a unique individual, no one can replace.

Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness, or don’t take me for a fool.

I’ll just sit back, and make you think, everything is cool.

Ain’t got no time, for silly games, especially the liars.

I’m all about conquering my dreams, aspirations and desires.

If you don’t like me, then please don’t feel obligated to talk.

But take into consideration, I’m intelligent, and not a dork.

There ain’t no need, to be hating on me, unless you can explain why,
If not, in the words of Anne Robinson.

YOU ARE THE WEAKEST LINK – GOODBYE.

Written by Llatoya Jackson

Thank you to Llatoya for submitting this poem.