You So Black

You So Black by Theresa THA Songbird is a gorgeously rendered illustrated poem. In both comforting and surprising turns, “S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D” offers a plethora of lines that affirm the magnitude and magnificence of Blackness. The fact that the poem seems written to be recited and perhaps, for a general audience, gives it a sense of knowing about itself, and integrity to the verse that does not attempt to speak down to children while intentionally inviting them in through the illustration and openness of the language.

You so Black, when you smile, the stars came out.
You so Black when you’re born, the god came out….
Black with privilege,
Black with the pride…
Black on purpose— on the Black-hand side.”