By Dalila Bryant
I am more than labels, more than names,
More than history or society’s games.
I carry the strength of women before me,
Whose courage unlocked the doors I now see.
Raised beneath Los Angeles skies so wide,
I learned to stand with confidence and pride.
Through busy streets and endless dreams,
I found my voice beyond the seams.
My melanin shines like the California sun,
A reminder that my story has only begun.
My curls, my smile, my heart, my grace—
No one can ever take my place.
Feminism is not a fight to stand alone;
It’s planting seeds that future girls will own.
It’s lifting sisters when they start to fall,
Believing there’s enough success for all.
I dream of a world where every girl can rise,
Without fear reflected in her eyes.
Where talent speaks louder than someone’s race,
And every woman finds her rightful place.
So I will speak when silence grows loud,
Stand strong, stand fearless, stand proud.
Because my voice was meant to be heard,
Power lives inside every single word.
I am Gen Z.
I am Black.
I am resilient.
I am free.
And every step I take today
I know i’ll always be my ancestors wildest dream they brag about in heaven. .
