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So, now I ask you- show me where to look
Which database or recording or which history book
Can tell me where my lineage is from
And where I can expect more of my family to come
But instead, I have plantations and ghettos to look upon
And stereotypes with connotations telling me what to live on
I have magazines and singers showing me how I should look
With straight hair and light skin in beauty advice that I took

Now, what can I ask for?
Nothing I can find
But I hope that every sister
Can make up her mind
And decide if she is "Black"
Like every black person is born
And love her kinky hair, dark gums,
And ethnic features she adorns
Move away from the notion
That whiter is better
That lighter is better
Becausethat is the standard we have
learned

"Chocolate" by Jessica Watson

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