Land of the Free

I dream of a day when little black boys and little black girls

are not afraid to go on the street for fear of being slain

by someone who is meant to protect us.

Where black mothers don’t have to remind their teenage sons

not to wear that hoodie.

 

I dream of a day when I can walk down the street without being harassed

Where when you say, “she was raped”, they don’t say, “what was she wearing?”

When you say, “he was raped”, they don’t say, “he should have liked it.”

 

I dream of a day when saying “I’m gay” is not met with

disgust, fear, and hatred

Where kids are not bullied for being different,

so they choose to live rather than die.

 

I dream of a day when everyone is accepted for who they are,

and are given the rights they deserve.

 

I dream of a day when a student is not defined by a test score,

or how many honors classes you’re taking

Where more than just the wealthiest can go to college.

 

I dream of a day when being a teen

does not invalidate your opinions and experiences 

Where we’re looked at as the future of this country

and the ones who can make these dreams come true.

 

They say, “America is the land of the free”,

But why do I not feel free?