Wanted Dead or Alive

by Jace Valentine

I am an activist, I am a sister, and I am also a Black woman

Black woman with 3 black brothers, a Black mother and father.

When they leave the house I pray for their return,

In the world we live in, 

Our skin makes us a target.

My little brother who's in first grade, fears the police.

How do I explain to a 7 year old that because of his skin, he's deemed a threat and feared.

Red and Blue lights flash and we flood with fear.

I flood with fear because I know that this could be my last day.

When he asks me why there are so much police cars in Flatbush but not in Williamsburg,

What do I tell him,

How do I explain to my brother that policing is an institution and its historical practice is rooted in racism and functions on bringing in Black and Brown bodies.

And from what we see- they bring them in Dead or Alive.

They weren't put there to keep us safe, but to criminalize us

Criminalize our people,

Maintain the oppression

To maintain the suppression and repression

And flood fear in our hearts, minds and communities, with this false concept of order and protection 

You can afford more police presence and enforcement,

But can’t support our already marginalized communities, 

If you are really bout that talk do something,

The youth are tired and fed up

We are the fire and future of NYC 

You need to invest in US