Black power.
Rise my fist up and yell it out to the highest power.
Turn on the TV and you see it’s our hour.
Another Black man, Black woman, Black child killed.
Because a cop felt threatened and use excessive force for no reason.
Like a coward.
They draw their guns and put bullets in our chests.
Then families members are left with sorrow and have to put their loved ones to rest.
Police brutality has become our reality.
We have to watch what we say, do, and wear because we are not safe. Not here, not there.
That’s our new mentality.
Living with the paranoia that we might be next.
Or maybe our brother, sister, father, or mother.
Look out and run for cover.
Videos won’t save you. Witnesses won’t help bring justice.
I’m praying that the day will come when we finally see our streets bloodless.

*The opinions and ideas expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the opinions of The Bronx Brand*

Ashley Effrece is from the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx and grew up in the Throggs Neck projects. She loves the Bronx and considers it a damsel in distress. Her mission is to defend the Bronx, and help promote it’s culture, truth and light. She loves that the Bronx is raw, beautiful, gritty, resilient and so are the people. Bronxites are leaders, fighters, and winners. “We are the strongest New Yorkers I know.”