Infomercial
It has come to my attention
That some folks have a problem
With saying the phrase "Black People"
Which of course includes "Black man, Black woman"
And all tenses thereof
Now personally I have an uncomfortableness
Around calling myself American
So African-American is more than
Just a mouthful
Its also a wince in my cool
And being of the sort that believes
Dark souled peoples need to stick together
I propose a compromise
Let us be
Afro-Cans
Big Afro, Capital Can
It's easy
Just abbreviate African
To Afro
Keep the hyphen
And take the Can out of American
Anyone can do it
Even you
Yes you
Say it out loud Afro-Can
Pretend you're Dead Prez and shout out
I'm an Afro-Can
I'm an Afro-Can
And I know what's happening
Try it with your friends
If you're not an Afro-Can
And you don't know what's happening
It's cool
Just hum along quietly
Try to stay with the flow
Bop your head if you feel the vibe
Bring out the sneaks and breakdance
We can get a party going on
Cause united we stand
Separate we stay seated
Get up
Like Bob said
Stand up for your right
Don't act like yall
Don't know how to fight
We got guns too
Afro-Can
Even if ya hair is nappy
And ya teeth is gold
You too can be an Afro-Can
It's an equal opportunity tittle
If your ancestors were stolen from Africa
And slaves in America
You are an Afro-Can
Even if your Puerto Ri-Can
You can be Afro-Can
If you have ever used a hot comb
A relaxer
Or a texturizer
You are Afro
If America doesn't treat you like a
Full Citizen
Even though your ancestors have lived there
For centuries
You are Can
If you said yes to both questions
You
Yes you
Are an Afro-Can
Own it
Own your name
Your definition Your people
Your history
Have something to your name
You ain't got to
Change the pitch in your voice
The sway in your swagger
Nor the rhythm of your language
Speak Afro-Can
It even has its own sign language
Walk like an Afro-Can
Be who you are
By your own definition
You are one Afro-Can
You can not give the
Afro-Can perspective
You can only offer an
Afro-Can perspective
But you'd love to shed some light on the subject
Wouldn't you
Afro-Can is proactive
It has a can do attitude
Rather than just
Having an attitude in general
Define yourself
Before you can be defined by others
Be who you always wanted to be
Not what they did
But who they are
Were they courageous
Kind, smart, funny
Inquisitive, thoughtful, generous
Strong, flexible, balanced
Happy
How would they wear their hair
Adorn their bodies
Eat, laugh, talk, walk
It's never too late to be
Who you want to be
All you have to do
Is stop being who you are
And do something else
Afro-Can
I always wanted to be a superhero
Could never decide what to call myself
Now I can say
I am Afro-Can
You can be
Male or female
Old or young
Rich or broke
Big boned or slim
Bald headed or full-maned
Get a tee shirt
That says Afro-Can
Rock it
You ain't gotta be
Hip-hop
Old school
New school
Teeny bopper
Young buck
Old head
Country
Bourgey
Light skinned
Dark meat
Red boned
Biracial
Or oreo
You can just be Afro-Can
Your skin is Afro-Can
Your hair is Afro-Can
Shape up your blowouts
And pick your battles
And if you wanna stay fresh
Wrap it up
Be an Afro-Can
Know what's happening
Raise your fist in a tribute
To the fist pick
The black glove
And the struggle
Raise it as a signal
If the white flag means surrender
A black fist is perseverance
Do not go gentle
Rage against the coming
We will not die like dogs
But live as Afro-Cans
When you see a neighbor
Or close friend
Try saying
What's up Afro-Can
Replace all the words
You use to refer to your fellow
Descendents of a raped Africa
With the word Afro-Can
Try it for a day
If you don't like it
Bring it back and well give you a full refund
No money down
No interest
No credit? No problem
No insurance, bank account, identification
Yes you too can have this
Brand new identity
No tax
Free shipping
And well even dispose of your old one
For free
What have you got to lose
As an Afro-Can
You can explore the world of
Positive movement
Through Affirmative Action
Be a part of the N triple A C
And so many other great things
Like try shouting
Afro-Can is beautiful
You can listen to
Afro-Can music
You can live in an Afro-Can neighborhood
Attend a historically Afro-Can college
Eat Afro-Can food
Whether your East Afro-Can
West Afro-Can
South Afro-Can
Central Afro-Can
It ain't where you're from
It's where you're going
Afro-Can
And if you act now
You'll get a free gift
This deal wont last forever
Stand Up!
by Empress Nzingha
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