This Black History Month, I’m sharing art, songs, movies, and other creative expressions from and about Black women that spark joy for me. Because Black women are often not remembered for their contributions, I thought this would be one way to give flowers to those who inspire me.
For Day 11, I’m sharing a spoken word piece from Teresa Tha Songbird that makes my heart sing.
“You so Blaaaaack… that when you smile the stars come out.”
Teresa tha Songbird burst onto the scene a few years back with her You So Black piece. The piece takes a schoolyard beginning of the dozens and spins it into affirmations about the beautiful complexity of Blackness.
When I first heard it, it made me feel seen and celebrated. Like Teresa was someone who was grateful that I made it and I am here. It was like she was channeling the ancestors. It feels extra important to celebrate this poem on a day like today. After yesterday’s Superbowl Halftime show, some folks were complaining about how Blackity Black it was. The thing is, to the folks that feel that way, that show wasn’t for you. It was for us. And I’m grateful for artists like Teresa the Songbird who reminds us that “Black is magic.”
“Baby, you so Black, that when you’re born the GOD come out.”
YAS.
Thank you, Teresa tha Songbird, for creating this magnificent piece celebrating the divinity in Blackness.
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