Being Black at UVA

College is supposed to be the place to find yourself

However, being a Black student at UVA 

Will make you feel unsure

Given what you have to endure

There are classes that stress you out 

But, you remember you’re Black 

So you have to stand out

Being the only Black person in a classroom

Can fill you with self-doubt 

Not knowing what clothes to wear 

Because you don’t want people to stare

Trying to fit into a different crowd isn’t easy 

But you remember you’re Black 

So you can’t dress too sleazy

You can’t be too Black 

It’ll draw attention 

Remember what school you're at 

You can’t forget that 

In these times of uncertainty 

You must remind yourself of this 

And I promise it won’t miss


Your Black is beautiful 

It shines and glimmers like the North Star

Which will guide you 

When you feel uncertain of who you are

Your Black is beautiful

It’s what makes you unique 

It's pretty, majestic, and sleek

Your Black is beautiful

You are living art

This was known from the start 

Your Black is beautiful 

Your intelligence opens the door 

And that cannot be ignored

Just wait to see what you have in store


Your Black is beautiful 

You are the future 

That our ancestors hoped for 

They laid the foundation of this school 

Brick by brick 

Unable to see what they finished 


You are a legacy 

And let this message be a remedy 

So that you can seek out your own destiny 



Kayla Fletcher

Hi I’m Kayla! I’m Chicago, IL and I’m a fourth year at University of Virginia double majoring in Sociology and WGS. One of my favorite poem is Bones by Yrsa Daley-Ward and I love spending time with my friends

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