Milissa Sutton, age 15

I wrote this poem for the Natural History Museum “Becoming” project. As a young Black girl, I really relate to this poem and hope that it will help other Black young people love themselves and accept their inner beauty.

Becoming Black

You’re born Black
with a contract signed at birth
Something you can’t unsign
untie
undye
Your skin
becoming Black
doesn’t really exist
Realizing Black, though

That does

Accepting Black
Cherishing Black
Adoring Black
Supporting Black

It took me a while to do these things
Look in the mirror and see myself true

See a positive reflection
See someone I want to be
Love me

And although I’m young
I think the most important thing
about Becoming Black
Is Loving Black
And loving you