I am taken captive, made a slave
but still I stand proud.
I refuse to bow my head,
instead, I fight from chains.
I am spit upon, disgraced,
but still I stand proud.
I help build this land,
with my strong, able hands
and my razor-sharp wit.
I am dismissed, my voice is ignored
but still I stand proud.
I transform this culture
through the music of my fathers
the poetry of my mothers
the soul of my own.
I am made a stranger to justice
but still I stand proud.
I fight for truth and freedom
and, after too many years, I win.
I am the President, a lawyer.
I am a doctor, a neighbor, a friend.
I am a parent, a student, a hero.
I am black
and I shall always stand proud.