I Am Angry

This article explores the theme of anger as experienced by a Black woman in response to racism, the criminalization of Black individuals, and the cycle of police brutality against Blacks and people of color. Drawing inspiration from Audre Lorde’s essay “The Uses of Anger: Women Responding to Racism,” the article delves into the deep-rooted anger and pain caused by the daily occurrence of violence against Black individuals. The historical context of policing Black bodies is examined, highlighting the systemic racial disparities and unequal treatment perpetuated by law enforcement agencies. The paper employs critical race theory (CRT) as its theoretical framework, emphasizing the normalization of racism and the power of counternarratives to challenge oppressive beliefs and structures. Through the utilization of poetic autoethnography, the author’s voice emerges as an “angry Black woman,” defying societal expectations and reclaiming agency. The article also addresses the traditional view of Black women’s anger, the constructed notion of the “angry Black woman” trope, and the need to embrace and express anger as a legitimate response to injustice. By presenting a series of poems, the research offers a critical perspective on racism and police brutality, aiming to provoke reflection and create a counternarrative that amplifies the experiences of Black individuals. Ultimately, the article argues that anger serves as a powerful tool to combat racism, challenge the normalization of oppression, and demand social justice.