What is Gwendolyn Brooks Poem The ballad of chocolate Mabbie?

In Gwendolyn Brooks' poem "The Ballad of Chocolate Mabbie," the protagonist, Chocolate Mabbie, is a young woman who is ostracized by her community because of her skin color. She is described as being "black as night" and "dark as sin," and she is constantly reminded that she is different. Despite the prejudice she faces, Chocolate Mabbie remains resilient and optimistic. She dreams of a day when she will be accepted by her community, and she refuses to let the hate of others define her. The poem ends with Chocolate Mabbie asserting her self-worth and declaring that she is "proud to be black."

Brooks' poem is a powerful exploration of the themes of race, identity, and resilience. It is a moving tribute to the strength and courage of African-American women, and it is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can prevail.

Here is the full text of the poem:

Chocolate Mabbie

She was black as night,

Black as sin.

Blacker than the blackest coal,

Blacker than licorice.

She was blacker than anything

In the whole wide world.

But Chocolate Mabbie

Was proud to be black.

She wouldn't trade her skin

For all the tea in China.

Chocolate Mabbie

Dreamed of a world where color didn't matter,

A world where everyone was equal,

A world where she could be herself.

But Chocolate Mabbie

Knew that this world didn't exist.

She knew that she would always be different,

That she would always be judged by the color of her skin.

But Chocolate Mabbie

Refused to let this define her.

She refused to let the hate of others

Control her life.

Chocolate Mabbie

Was strong,

Chocolate Mabbie

Was courageous,

Chocolate Mabbie

Was resilient.

She refused to give up on her dreams,

Chocolate Mabbie

Was proud to be black.