It sounds like you're referring to the poem "I, Too, Sing America" by Langston Hughes or possibly the essay "How It Feels to Be Colored Me" by Zora Neale Hurston. Both works explore themes of race and identity from the perspective of Black Americans. If you’re asking about Zora Neale Hurston’s essay "How It Feels to Be Colored Me," here’s a brief overview:
About "How It Feels to Be Colored Me"
- Author: Zora Neale Hurston
- Published: 1928
- Theme: The essay explores Hurston’s personal experience growing up as a Black woman in early 20th-century America.
- Tone: Confident, vibrant, and unapologetic.
- Key Idea: Hurston refuses to be defined by her race in a limiting or victimized way. Instead, she embraces her identity with pride and joy, emphasizing individuality beyond racial labels.
How Hurston Describes Feeling Colored
- She recalls a childhood in an all-Black town where she felt no difference from others.
- When she moved to a predominantly white town, she became aware of her racial identity but did not feel diminished by it.
- She compares herself to a brown paper bag filled with random bits and pieces-unique and full of potential.
- Hurston rejects the idea of being "tragically colored" and instead celebrates her zest for life.
Why It Matters
Hurston’s essay is a powerful statement of self-acceptance and resilience. It challenges readers to see beyond race as a limitation and to appreciate the richness of individual identity. If you want, I can provide a summary, analysis, or even read some key excerpts from the essay! Would you like that?
