The Ministry of Education launched an investigation into a poem being taught at East End Primary during Black History Month.

The move came after parents complained the poem 'Why am I Black?' by Runett Nia Ebo contained disturbing imagery about people of African descent and was not age appropriate.

The first lines of the poem are: "Lord, Lord, Why did You make me Black.

"Why did You make someone the world wants to hold back?

"Black is the color of dirty clothes; the colour of grimy hands and feet.

"Black is the color of darkness; the colour of tire-beaten streets."

To read the rest of the poem see the panel.

Amba Smith's eight-year-old daughter, who she did not want named, was assigned to learn portions of the poem.

Her daughter's class planned to present it in morning assembly this month, which is Black History Month, at East End Primary.

Mrs. Smith said: "I had to explain to her why some people don't like black people. I had to sit my daughter down and tell her never to question herself. I had to tell her she is beautiful just the way she is. I am biracial and her father is white and I had to tell her that no one race is better than another race.

"She was upset. And then I had to tell her that I was not going to allow her to be part of the assembly and she was upset again."

Mrs. Smith added that she found the poem offensive.

"So what is it saying?" she asked. "That black people are superior to white people?

"I would have thought they would be learning about Martin Luther King Jr during Black History Month, not this.

"Black History Month was created to celebrate the successes of black people, not to be pro-black, anti-white.

"How are we supposed to deal with racism as a country if this is what is being taught to children?"

And Mrs. Smith added the poem was too in-depth for eight-year-olds.

"I can see it being taught in college or high school classes to create discussion," she said. "But for eight-year-olds? It is just not age appropriate!

"They haven't dealt with anything like that."

Another mother echoed her sentiment but did not want to be named. Mrs. Smith made a complaint to the school before she spoke with The Royal Gazette.

The Ministry was asked if the poem was part of an approved curriculum for Black History Month and if it was not, did the Minister think the poem is appropriate material for eight-year-olds?

It was also asked if Bermuda had an approved Black History Month curriculum.

The Ministry of Education declined to comment.

Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons was asked the same questions. He said: "I can understand the objections on both sides of this issue. I believe parents have a valid right to question what is being taught to their children and why it's being taught. The educators involved should be prepared to listen carefully and justify the material if it's creating objections.

"In the first instance, I believe that parents and professional educators working together at the school level should try to resolve the issue.

"Ultimately it's something that needs to be addressed by Ministry officials who are responsible for developing a unified curriculum."

The Premier's racial adviser, Rolfe Commissiong, said he would not comment until the Ministry of Education did.

The Commission for Unity and Racial Equality, whose mandate is to eliminate racial discrimination through education and foster a climate of inclusiveness, sincerity and harmony, also declined to comment on the whether the poem was appropriate material for a primary school.

The Principal of the East End Primary did not return a call from The Royal Gazette.

What do you think? Should this poem be taught to eight-year-olds? Email roklynch@royalgazette.bm

Why am I black?–By RuNett Nia Ebo

Lord, Lord, Why did You make me Black

Why did You make someone the world wants to hold back?

Black is the color of dirty clothes; the color of grimy hands and feet.

Black is the color of darkness; the color of tire-beaten streets.

Why did You give me thick lips, a broad nose and kinky hair

Why did You make me someone who receives the hatred stare?

Black is the color of the bruised eye when someone gets hurt.

Black is the color of darkness, black is the color of dirt.

How come my bone structure's so thick; my hips and cheeks are high?

How come my eyes are brown and not the color of the daylight sky?

Why do people think I'm useless? How come I feel so used?

Why do some people see my skin and think I should be abused?

Lord, I just don't understand. What is it about my skin?

Why do some people want to hate me and not know the person within?

Black is what people are "listed", when others want to keep them away.

Black is the color of shadows cast. Black is the end of the day.

Lord, You know, my own people mistreat me and I know this just isn't right.

They don't like my hair or the way I look. They say I'm too dark or too light.

Lord, don't You think it's time for You to make a change?

Why don't You re-do creation and make everyone the same?

GOD ANSWERED

Why did I make you Black? Why did I make you Black?

Get off your knees and look around. Tell Me, what do you see?

I didn't make you in the image of darkness, I made you in the Likeness of ME!

I made you the color of coal from which beautiful diamonds are formed.

I made you the color of oil, the Black Gold that keeps people warm.

I made you from the rich, dark earth that can grow the food you need.

Your color's the same as the panther's known for her beauty and speed.

Your color's the same as the Black stallion, a majestic animal is he.

I didn't make you in the Image of darkness. I made you in likeness of ME!

All the colors of a Heavenly Rainbow can be found throughout every nation. But when all of those colors were blended well, you became my greatest creation.

Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool.

Such a humble, little creature is he.

I am the Shepherd who watches them.

I am the One who will watch over thee.

You are the color of midnight sky.I put the stars' glitter in your eyes.

There is a smile hidden behind your pain.

That's why your cheeks are so high.

You are the color of dark clouds formed when I send My strongest weather.

I made your lips full so when you kiss the one that you love, they will remember.

Your stature is strong; your bone structure, thick

To withstand the burdens of time.The reflection you see in the mirror...

The image looking back at you is MINE.