For women of colour I developed Ivory Tower
As a political mission to give voice and empower
Sisters like me who struggle for equality
And to be respected within the academy,
It seems that no matter how hard we toil in our universities
We’re subjected to unjust levels of scrutiny
Which amounts to a form of interrogation, policing, and yes, intimidation
This is not acceptable I have to say, we’re not criminals, you see
We’re academics whose contributions to the knowledge economy
Should be valued within the academy
So collectively we unite, my sisters and me
To challenge this inequality and reclaim our humanity
A necessary act of resistance, since because of our gender and our race
Whiteness and privilege marks our space
By Dr Deborah Gabriel
