Dress Well Young Man

In the annals of history, a tale unfolds
Of black bodies oppressed, in chains of old
Forbidden to dress, in fine attire;
Their spirits subdued, by oppressive fire.

The Negro Act of 1740 decreed
Africans should not aspire, to dress with heed
In finery or wealth; Their attire should be
No more than cloth, the lowest degree.

Wearing clothes of worth, above their station
Was deemed an act, of subversion.
For those who dared, to dress with grace
Their clothes were seized, without a trace.

But as time went on, a revolution began.
The Civil Rights movement, took a stand.
Dressing well was no longer a crime.
It became a symbol, of resistance and pride in that time.

Black Ivy, they called it, a style so refined
Worn by icons, who were unconfined:
James Baldwin, Miles Davis, to name a few.
They wore their clothes, as a badge of truth.

This fashion was more, than just a trend.
It was a way of saying, we will not bend
To the will of those, who seek to oppress.
We will dress with pride, and no less.

Fashion is a language, that speaks of our past.
It tells the stories, of those who have passed.
Black Ivy is a symbol, of strength and defiance.
A way of reclaiming, our right to alliance.

So young black men, let this be a sign,
Dress well and proud, let your light shine.
For there was a time, when it was forbidden,
But now it's a symbol, of the strength within.