dear white professor

A message to academia....
By Kishonna L Gray, PhD

Dear white professor
I am one of your students
I want to talk about Ferguson 
Do you have a few moments? 

This entire semester
We’ve been waiting and hoping
Waiting for the moment
For the discussion to open

To talk about the reality
That black people exist
But by your avoidance
IT’s a  topic you resist

This issue is more 
Than just black and white
From what you’ve taught me
It’s a lot of people’s plights

But here in this moment
It is they who suffer
but because of your privilege
You dare not utter

The words.  The reality
The suffering.  The pain
Of bullets being riddled
Black bodies being slain

Regardless of your position
No matter your stance
We must take the time
Open your eyes and glance

Yes I’m privileged
I don’t have to look
But ignoring serves no purpose 
These live are being took

By a system that’s flawed
Blemished by design
Rooted in the history
Hanging from the pines

These are things you taught us
We learned them everyday
History is repeating itself
Sociology hit replay

The movement is no different
Criminology can’t you see
You’re replicating a pattern
That’s not woven for me

Communications you’re not neutral
Neither are you fair and balanced
Your reporters are in the field
Protesters they are silenced

Cultural studies thank you
For being at the front of the fight
But it’s gonna take more, you see
For us to take back the night

Communities are gripped with fear
Businesses thay can manage
The protesters have a point to make
When property is being damaged
 
In our capitalist society
Goods are worth more than life
People are more up in arms
Without Christmas tree lights

I recognize my privilege. 
You taught me all about it. 
Do you live what you teach? 
Or is it time to recommit

Remember why you’re here
I’m starting to feel diminished
You have a responsibility to teach me
Your job maybe you should relinquish

They said hands up. 
I said don’t shoot. 
You took that as a threat
We’re not dangerous to you. 

It was an act of resistance
Of solidarity, unity, and peace. 
For all my brothers and sisters
White allies please increase