Create Space, Not just Room - Black History Month 3rd Annual Poetry Jam

Have you every walked into a room and felt different?
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Not only because you look different, but it felt like every one was in on a secret or joke and you were the outsider. 

That is how it felt for me growing up and many times in my adult life. 

I was made aware pretty early on that I was different.  I was given a room but not space to grow.    

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Create Space,   Not Room

They say…

I made room for you in the car
I make room for you in the office
I made room for you at the table
I made room for you on the team 

But ...

I felt crowded and  pushed 
I felt restricted and alone
And  tolerated

Diversity, inclusion, and equity that is not what it means  

I’m not a publicity stunt, a quota meet, a gap filled

Space is an act of love and compassion
Space is value and trust 
Space is respect 

Space is when my strength is not viewed as aggression.

Space is when my life achievements are not dismissed because of my color.

Space is my speech pattern, is my personality 

When you see my face I'm fierce  because I'm confident, because I show up as me.

Space is when my presence is not viewed  as intimidation

But thank you for making room
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I will make it a space.


- Coach Felicia Mycyk