How To Be Anti-Racist

a poem by DeShane Short

TW: violence described against black bodies

From the strength of mercy, examine how a police officer wrestles down a black body to floor, as their head slams on asphalt.

From a desire of apprehension, process the comments used on that black body like stay down bitch, you isn't nothing but a criminal, nigger child, their all criminals, I’m not a racist but-.

From a state of panic, observe the silence and resilience the black body alludes when dragged into a cop car for booking.

From the desire of the forgotten, study that black body behind a cell, transfers its torment in the form of waiting, sitting on a dented metal bench, never acquiring that one phone call.

From the strength of respect, contemplate when a black body exist in a habitat of racial profiling, segregated to section eight housing, only having gin and blue cheese in the fridge.

From the fear of ignorance, learn who will never be a victim to a noose on a tree. Their neck

leaves marks once cut down.

From the fear of being ridiculed, advocate for the black bodies whose brutality has left them unable to reach the comfort of their house. Shot in their car, blood drips on their car mats.

From the fear of being wrong, assess the knowledge you possess, ask yourself who are the ones being oppressed. Ask who's the one kneeling on the floor with their hands in the air.

From the fear of being criticized, empathize for the black bodies that are locked up for loitering, overdue parking tickets, or die from the grace of a bullet.

From the fear of being brave, discuss the wickedness of dehumanizing young black body children through adulthood.

From the courage of action, lift the black bodies on one’s shoulders and pass the mic for their voices to be heard.

DeShane Short (he/ him) is a proud Afro-American male from New Kent, Virginia who is currently a student at Longwood University, where he is majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing with an interest in poetry and non-fiction. Minoring in children’s literature and communication studies. DeShane hopes to pursue an MFA in creative writing.

Photo Art by Damien Memorial School @ 2021