Black Dahlia

She is a Black Dahlia, rare in color, elegant, and strong

Even though she is strong and resilient, she is subject to more violence than the typical daisy.
For centuries her people have been taken from their homes to the “new world”, just to be
auctioned off like an object.
They were used to suppress the strong sexual appetite of their owners.
Used to reproduce for a higher profit, but even after years went by their rape meant nothing.
Only 19% of Black women will report their rapes because of the fear that no one will believe
them.
There are high expectations that the Black woman should be strong and independant and should
be able to resist a rape, and she herself hold these standard.
But how, when she is often taken for granted and depicted as provocative in the hip-hop industry.
What do we do when our own culture shows that we are less than what we truly are?
It is as if rape is embedded in our DNA.
From slavery, to music, to college, and even in our relationships, the last safe haven we have left.
Our sanity and last bit of strength is ripped from our very grasp.
In private we are beaten, choken, and threatened by weapons unimaginable.
IPV results is 47% of men and women that suffer from psychological violence like mental and
emotional abuse.
Even in our children, African American females are more likely to be a victim of teen dating
violence.
But what can we do…
We scream, shout, and even cry to the justice system about the pain filled lives that we have
experienced, but our voices, even as 1, will never be heard.
So as the Black Dahlia sways in the wind on the most beautiful summer day, she remembers the
rain that once beat her down.
Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day she replays the sounds, smells, and tastes of the
rain.
Waiting nervously to see if the rain will pour again.