You Should See Me in a Crown

by Leah Johnson

terrible people aren’t always the ones doing something wrong. Good people mess up too, but that doesn’t mean we should let it slide.”

I don’t believe in putting a question mark where God put a period.

You can never be too careful when it comes to eating white folks’ food.

I never needed this race or a hashtag or the king to be a queen. I was born royalty. All I had to do was pick up my crown.

You could make history if you just follow our rules. You could be a real credit to your people if you just straighten up and fly right. You could actually be worth something if you would shut up and take what we give you. And I know then what I’ve always known: Campbell is never going to make a space for me to fit. I’m going to have to demand it.

“My Lizzie, my little star. I never want to tell you not to burn as fast and as bright as you can.”

Granny is human, and so was my mother, and so am I. We are not above mistakes, not stronger than death, but we sure know how to love. Even

if it isn’t always perfect, especially when it’s a little messy, we know how to love one another fier...

“I just want you to know that you can rest, Lizzie, baby.” She kisses the top of my head softly. “I got you when you’re ready to rest.”

secure in the fact that she deserved to take up space in Campbell. Deserved to take up space anywhere.

It’s weird, being raised in a small town. There’s not much to do there except drive into the city, and not much to look forward to but getting out one day.

Feeling special in a town that doesn’t feel special at all is worth all sorts of madness.