Who are we? Open your eyes to the greatness you refuse to see.

Who Are We?
We are the saviors of society. We wear the capes.
We carry the load of the struggle when the peace of the world is at stake.
We are the scrutinized and shamed, manipulated, and blamed.
The ones who bear the burden from a world untamed.
We are the most invaded and hated, yet habitually imitated.
We master our divine strength to navigate a world heavily weighted.

We are the purveyors of truth surrounded by a web of lies and deceit.
We create our own tables, never provided a seat.
We are the curators of dope-ness, constantly left hopeless.
Always on the move but often feeling motionless.
We are the mothers of the world yet villainized as young girls,
Taunted in life about our hips and our curls.

We are the topics on tongues, yet omitted from the conversation,
We burst through closed doors and fight a nation of discrimination.
We are the diamonds created under pressure, a societal pleasure,
Our greatness stretches farther than a mind can measure.
We are the humanitarians for hope and the first to deploy,
yet denied the collective benefits of the world’s peace and joy.

We are the saviors of society. We wear the capes.
We are the givers in a world that simply loves to take.
So, who are we? Just open your eyes and agree,
We are the powerful life force that you refuse to see.

Credits
Written by Yana Reynolds
Photographer: Phil Halfmann
Creative Director: Sophia Lenore
Lead Hair & Makeup: Sophia Lenore
Lead Wardrobe Stylist: Sophia Lenore
Hair & Makeup: Taina Norell
Hair & Makeup Assistant: Kathy Esquivel
Model: Gaelle Augustin
Jewelry by KONPLOTT
Hair by INDIQUE HAIR
About the Author

Yana is a literary artist and avid podcaster using her superpower of writing and storytelling to connect to the heart of people.
As the co-host of the Melanated Conversations podcast, she holds space for the amplification of Black women’s voices. With listeners spanning over 80 countries, she honors the transformative narratives of Black women around the globe.