Mari Evans' poem "I Am a Black Woman" is a powerful and poignant tribute to the strength, resilience, and beauty of black women. The poem speaks to the unique experiences and challenges faced by black women, as well as their indomitable spirit and enduring love.
In the opening lines of the poem, Evans declares her identity as a black woman with pride and defiance. She asserts that she is "not your mammy," a reference to the demeaning and degrading stereotype of the black woman as a subservient caregiver to white people. Instead, she asserts her own agency and individuality, declaring that she is "myself, a woman."
Throughout the poem, Evans reflects on the various ways in which black women have been marginalized and oppressed throughout history. She speaks of the "dark night of slavery," in which black women were treated as property and subjected to unimaginable brutality and abuse. She also addresses the ongoing struggles for civil rights and equality, calling out the "white man's law" that has often been used to deny black women their basic rights and freedoms.
Despite these challenges, Evans celebrates the enduring strength and resilience of black women. She describes them as "warriors," who have persevered through centuries of oppression and discrimination. She also pays tribute to their beauty and grace, declaring that black women are "queens," who are "rich in [their] blackness."
In the final stanza of the poem, Evans encourages black women to embrace their identities and to find pride in who they are. She advises them to "speak [their] own name," and to "stand tall and proud," in the face of any obstacles or challenges that may come their way.
Overall, "I Am a Black Woman" is a powerful and moving tribute to the courage, strength, and beauty of black women. It speaks to the unique experiences and challenges faced by black women, and celebrates their enduring spirit and resilience. It is a testament to the power of self-love and self-acceptance, and a call to all black women to embrace their identities and to find pride in who they are.