Why do you stand there alone,
with a colored shirt to symbolize your meaning?
Does it really stand for who you are?
Do you stand alone in vengeance,
vengeance for Martin, Malcolm, Kunta, or Nat?
No, you do this for your gang.

Why do you kill your brother?
Yes, that man there is your brother.
You see, we all are brothers and sisters.
No gang, no gun can change that.
Yet, you stand there holding the weapon that you think
can eliminate the hate.

You would do life in prison for taking the life of your brother?
So what you come from different neighborhoods,
and rep different gangs?
If Martin and Malcolm feuded because of their differences
where would our people be?
You know one thing we wouldn't be free!

Black man, you are beautiful.
Your smooth brown skin and fine complexion paired
with your education will take you far.
You could be featured in Black Enterprise or even GQ.
You would do well to be like, or be better than
those powerful black men who have gone before you!

Our people have struggled long enough.
And no weapon formed against my brother,
our brother, shall prosper!
Who you will serve this day please choose.
Put down your weapon.
Let's turn the page and begin anew.