Question to my father in jail

Father as I prepare to walk this stage I wrote another poem for you 

I must admit, I too have been instutionlized

This cap and gown symbolize the assimilation process being complete

I accepted their truths and lies, does that mean I accepted defeat?

Did I scarfice my blackness for a piece of Uncle Sams Pie

Just to “Survive”

Same way some young black men want Nike,

I wanted to be in the caste

And have a role in that ivory tower

Did I sell out or buy in like shares of stock?

Will this degree help me not be strange fruit on another white mans tree?

Will this degree set me free or imprison me?