I AM

My name is Rickey and I am a 17 year old black kid

I am Americas worst  nightmare and my familys pride and joy

I am optimistic in spite of all obstacles I face growing up in todays society

I am determined not to be another statistic dead or in jail before I can register to vote

I am fearless in trying but fearful of letting my family down

I am a big brother to a 13year old little sister Jada who looks up to me

I am a young man with a plan and the only way I will fail is if I stop trying

I am frustrated that my skin is my sin and college will never prepare me for that lifetime stigma

I am determined to graduate college and start on a journey filled with roundabouts

I am wonderfully made in Gods site regardless of how they see me

I am a product of my environment that my family kept sheltered becaue of their dreams for me

I am my mothers son

I am a product of divorced parents

I am forced to grow up fast because social media gives me an uneditied education

I am insecure at times because I want to beat the odds already stacked against me

I am still however proud of who I am