I Am NOT the "Safe Negro."

If you think that I am not aware of what has been done to my people throughout the course of history, then you are delusional.

If you think that I can be controlled beyond the limits that I allow, then I will allow you to continue thinking that way.

I see you ... more clearly than you see yourself, because I see the history that you are ashamed of and wish would just go away. Unfortunately, when you see me ... you see that history as well.

I do not look at or for good & evil in the shades of black and white, for there is both within both.

I do not hold good individuals accountable for the historic oppression of their collective, but at the same time you should not hold me acoountable for the faults of my own collective. If you do not want me to see the Klan in your eyes, then do not look for the thug in mine.

Your people stole from me everything I never knew; and even though I may never get it all back, I will take what I can find, add it to what I have taken from you and become twice as strong. I am not the savage that you have been raised to believe I am; for like the song goes, "I am immortal - I have inside me the blood of kings."

Over the years, I have learned that there is a difference between humility and humiliation. In my travels I have learned to subdue my passion; therefore, I am capable of speaking my mind, yet I am also capable of holding my tongue.

I am capable of kindness towards you despite the hatred I know you have in your heart, but so politely try to conceal.

I am just as capable of being your friend as I am of being your enemy.

I am stronger than even I know.

I am smarter than I allow you to think I am.

What I am NOT ... is the SAFE Negro.