I apologize for being Black

For all I am, plus all I lack

Please sir, please ma'am, give me some slack

I apologize

I apologize for being poor

For being sick and tired and sore

Since I ain’t slick and don’t know the score

I apologize

I apologize because I bear

The resemblance most Black people share

thick lips, flat nose and nappy hair

I apologize

I apologize for how I look

For all the loads and blows I took

Lord knows on those I've closed the book

As I apologize

I apologize for all I gave

for letting you make me your slave

and going to my early grave

I apologize

I apologize for being caught

for being sold, for being bought

While being told I count for naught

I apologize

I apologize for all I've done

for all my toil out in the sun

I don't want to spoil your righteous fun

So I apologize

I apologize and curse my kind

for being fooled, for being blind

for being ruled and in your bind

Yes I apologize

I apologize and curse my fate

for being slow, for being late

Because I know it’s me you hate

Why not apologize?

I apologize and tip my hat

Because you're so rich and free and fat

Son of a bitch that’s where it’s at

Yes I apologize

A poem by

Oscar Brown, Jr. (Chicago, Illinois)