Poem: “Me”
It’s not easy being me.
Wearing a hijab, getting nasty
looks from people when crossing the streets. Constant fear of getting
it snatched.
It’s not easy being me,
Being a Black girl with racism
bouncing around. My culture
defines me. But for some
people, it makes me bad.
I’m Somali, but that doesn’t
make me a pirate. I’m kind,
not a kidnapper. I don’t treat people
differently because of the
color of their skin.
It’s not easy being me,
a Muslim, Black, beautiful girl.
My afro popping under my hijab. It’s not easy being me, a pretty,
more-than-enough young woman.
Samira Mohamed (she/her), age 11, is a student at 826 MSP. 826 MSP’s mission is to amplify the voices, stories, and power of K–12 BIPOC students through writing, publishing, and leadership programs.
For 2025 coverage, Minnesota Women’s Press earned a community leadership award, three photography awards, and four editorial awards, including for coverage of social issues and for our Spring 2025 “Know Your Rights” special section supported by Unidos MN. Our publisher was named Journalist of the Year by Violence Free Minnesota for gender-based violence coverage.
