Exclusive Poem: Black and Unique by Tolu' A. Akinyemi

An inspiring poem written about the Black Lives Matter movement from the author of 7 published books, exclusively for the GN Books Blog.

This poem will be in Akinyemi's newest poetry collection Black ≠ Inferior which will be out on the 1st of January 2021, which will mention a credit to GN Books for seeing it first!

Thank you to Tolu' A. Akinyemi for this wonderful poem, that has inspired GN Books and many others!

You can check out more of Akinyemi's works through his social media accounts listed on our Member Gallery page under the About tab of our website! #BLM #inspiration #poetry #author #writing #BlackAndUnique

"I wish you can rise above the tides of hate..."

Black and Unique

By Tolu'A. Akinyemi

I wish this can be your favourite poem; 

These words, ordinances and creed—

 a sterling light.

I wish you can see the uniqueness of your black skin, 

its glory shining like a dark armour.

I wish you can rise above the tides of hate, 

and the contraptions of oppression.

I wish you can see through the dawning of each day 

that you’re black and unique.

I wish you can rise through the squalor of poverty

and voices that watercolour you as under-represented. 

I wish you can emblem your name in gold, 

and swim against every wave of hate. 

I wish you can rise above the labels—

false identities stamped on you.

You're black and unique—

I wish this can be your favourite verse.