The Black Tribe

Where do I apply for admission to this mythical club of blackness that you seem to think I should belong to?

Be-cuz the truth is- I KNOW who I am.

See, long ago, I responded to this advertisement that ran in the newspaper of my mind:

WANTED

Hardworking, intelligent, and articulate individual, must be sensitive, but strong; philosophical, but playful.

Candidates must have a pulsating passion for life, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and an unlimited supply of determination.

Must be able to bear the weight of your history and to carry the hopes of your ancestors.

Must also be able to demonstrate an ability to dream while awake, and a willingness to achieve by any means necessary.

Qualified candidate must possess own recipe for survival, including the ability to locate a grain of laughter amidst a field of despair.

It will be necessary to have rhythm in your soul and soul in your rhythm, along with a willingness to embrace sorrow and reject cowardly hatred.

Physical requirements include arms that are long enough to reach back into the community, but are too short to box with God.

Prefer skin that is like midnight satin, but am willing to consider creamy cocoa brown, Hershey’s dark chocolate, honey-dipped high yellow, sun-kissed red-bone, and even light, bright, and almost white.

Can fall anywhere between Denzel fine and Dennis Rodman thru, between Coltrane’s intensity and miles Davis cool.

Hair-optional; height-irrelevant; big feet a definite plus.

(You know what I’m talkin ‘bout.)

Priority consideration given to self-respecting, sure stepping, confidence oozing, brown-eyed, thick lipped, wide-nose warriors.

Timid, shuffling, droop-shouldered, apologetic, self-loathing, self-destructive Uncle Thomas’s need not apply.

If interested, please inquire within.

So, needless to say I have My membership card that says, I’m grade"Grade

A, Inspected, Certified 100% Sho’ Nuff Brotha," who you will call, CirrTone!