Self Portraits

Issues of identity - specifically as they relate to race and gender - are consistent themes in the poetry we read, the writings we do, and the photographs we look at in Sistahs. In the Self Portraits project, many of the young women began to deal with complex issues of self-representation and to ask some serious (and sometimes light-hearted) questions about how to represent themselves and how others perceived them. A poem by June Jordan entitled A Short Note to My Very Critical and Well-Beloved Friends and Comrades that we read and wrote about in class suggests a little bit of that struggle and possibility of representation.8

Self Portraits Page: 1, 2


If you could look at me and tell me who I am what is it that would you say?
Would you judge me by the color of my skin or push it all away?
Would you think of me as just another teen that's confused and lost trying to find her way?
Or would you try to look deep within?
Before you go through the steps of looking before you think why don't you try to get to know the person who I really am.

By Lauren Vaughn (listen)
 
 

I see a young African American girl wearing long braids like my African ancestors did.
Eyes that I use to see if someone is good or not so good.
A nose that I use to smell my mom's great cooking.
A smile to tell people that I am happy or wondering and thinking of all the great things that are going on in my life.
All these things and more make
me and that is what I see.
(What do you think of me?)

By Julia Harden (listen)

I look at me and see a girl of so much beauty, style and attitude.
Posing for the camera and showing it what I do.
One hand on my knee ready for the flash.
Stylin' like a model ready to get that cash.
I'm ready for my close up Mr. Deville
Make sure you get my good side; I got some hearts to steal.

By Yasmein James (listen)

 
  Stand up I say, for your right to be heard, seen and felt for it is up to you to break the barriers that stifle and drown you in the gutters of condemnation

Beat the odds I say for the down pressers will always be there making you tremble in their presence silencing your words like the muting of a movie scene raping you of your rights

Face your fears I say because we are already minorities because of our race don't choke, spit them out like the bullets from a gun f*** the critics they are the legal prejudice the one left unseen get up stand up break the SILENCE

By Madonna Delfish

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