Just because I wear a hoodie
Doesn’t mean that I am a hood
Just because I look suspicious to you
Doesn’t mean I’m up to no good
Don’t judge me by my skin color
Or the type of clothing I wear
Don’t label me by the sag of my pants
Or the braids I have in my hair
Prejudice racism and intolerance
Thrives when blind ignorance rules
Just take the time to know who I am
And you’ll find out that I’m just like you
Don’t let hatred or fear guide your life
But just listen and understand
That if you take the time to look closer
You’ll see that I am also a man.
Dedicated to Trayvon Martin
By Robert Batista
Author’s Copyright 2012
Listen to Rob Batista recite this powerful, heartfelt poem:
