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.
