We Won’t Apologize by Oni Lasana
We won’t apologize for being Black
We are natural wonders, nothing we lack
Please sir, please ma’am don’t give us no slack
Cuz, we won’t apologize
We won’t apologize for being poor
You made laws to give YOU more.
Yes, we had to be slick, wise to all tricks,
We give & give & you still want more
Shutting the door but we know the score,
So, we won’t apologize
We’ll never apologize because we bear
The beauty of Africa in our skin & hair
Lovely lips, beautiful nose, chocolate to fair
Our standard of beauty is beyond compare
And we’ll never apologize
We’ll never apologize for how we look
For all the bullets & beatings we took
Lord knows now, it’s an open book
Read our story, take a good look,
Cuz, we won’t apologize
We won’t apologize for all we gave
We never wanted to be your slave
You keep trying to send us to an early grave
But we don’t die, we multiply
So, we won’t apologize
We’ll never apologize for being caught
Our people are worth more than you thought
It was from Africa you were taught
And we won’t apologize
We’ll never apologize for all we did
We build this country, the truth YOU hid
We will spoil your unrighteous fun
Teaching lies from the power of your gun
No! We won’t apologize!
We won’t apologize to seal our fate
For being wise, for fighting hate
Because we know, we are greater than great
And we’ll never apologize
Never will we apologize & tip our hat
Til you show respect, get your knees off our necks
Haters, traitors, and jealous beasts
At our table, you came to feast
Knowing, we are NOT the least
Still, we offer you love, forgiveness, & peace
But we will never apologize!
We Won’t Apologize (c)2020 Oni Lasana
Oni Lasana has roots in Philadelphia with branches throughout the Caribbean. She is a performing and teaching artists the poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar. Oni is a storyteller, poet, and short story published author. She was recently awarded a 2021 Webby Award for vocal talent. Currently, Oni produces Aunti Oni Story Village, a family-friendly podcast documenting multicultural stories.
“We Won’t Apologize” was written in response to Black Lives Matter for Philly Protest Poets. It is her adaptation of Oscar Brown Jr.’s poem “I Apologize” circa (1960).
