Beings In Blackface

Beings in “blackface” began way back when
Our worth was defined by the color of our skin

White man’s mockery, stereotypical play
Became the catalyst of the minstrel show’s pay
The year, 1828 paved the way for
Thomas D. Rice’s “Jim Crow” of that day

Blackness exploited for profit, false labels,
That white’s applaud, fueled by male
Obsession flourished at home and abroad

Parodies of Shakespearean masterpieces
Entertainment’s popular form of that time
Made for black people the mountain of
Acceptance that much harder to climb

Indirect challenges within the structure of
American Society, identity, authority and
The indulgence of impropriety

In 1840 being influenced by the past
Blacks took center stage and joined
The minstrel show cast

With limited choices and talent
To be displayed, we accepted ridicule,
Though it was us we degrade

Now in the present century
Still running and losing the race
But at least we won the fight
No longer beings in blackface.