IT’S JUST ME!

IT'S JUST ME.
Being Black.Born into it,Birthed with this face,This skin,This name.

It’s just me.I didn’t ask for this—But it’s who I am,And I stand here, unapologetic.

IT'S JUST ME.

These feet.This street.I walk alone—I don’t bother nobody,

So why do they always bother me? What is it about my presence

That makes them question my existence? I’m not a threat—

But they treat me like one.
IT'S JUST ME.

A working man.Nothing in my hands—No weapon, no intent,
Just a belt to keep my pants from falling down.

But I still feel the weight of their eyes,Like I’m a ticking time bomb—
Just waiting to explode.
IT'S JUST ME.

Am I not what you want me to be?I was born and raised right here—
But you’re the ones out of place,Patrolling my block like you own it.
My neighbors wave,They feel safe with me.So what makes you so afraid of my skin?
IT'S JUST ME.

Land of the free? Home of the brave?

OH, BUT NOT FOR ME.
Do I need a lawyer just to breathe?To walk?

To believe that I deserve the same rights as you?
Or is it just because I’m in the wrong skin?
IT'S JUST ME.

I’m a husband, a son, a father—
I’m no burden on society—
So why do the ones who are meant to protect
Become the ones who bring me fear?
They see me—
They don’t see a person.
They see a problem.
IT'S JUST ME.

I see you.
But I won’t run.
I’ve got nothing to hide—
No weapon, no threat.
But somehow,
I’m the one that feels like I’ve done something wrong.
IT'S JUST ME.

A background check,
Just because I’m alive.
A history I didn’t choose,
But a history that haunts me
Every time I step outside.
IT'S JUST ME.

No officer,
I don’t need a ride.
Not in your squad car.
Not today.
Because that ride?
Could be my last.
Before we even get where you say we’re going,
I could be gone.
IT'S JUST ME.

Hands up—
No probable cause.
Just a Black man in the wrong place.
In the wrong skin.
And that’s enough.
IT'S JUST ME.

See me.
Believe me.
Every step I take,
I pray I make it home.
Afraid to be stopped,
Afraid of what will happen when you see me—
Because it’s just me.
But to you?
I’m everything I shouldn’t be.
IT’S JUST ME.

By King James