Alyssa Mendoza

Know Herself

The Spanish tried to colonize, it forced my people to rise. We kicked they ass out, Magellan to his great demise.

I descend from warriors of the sun, the oppressors wish they won. However, they took my native tongue.

My ancestors spilled blood with violence to escape oppression so I could live in the Bay, to use my pen for expression.

I am a divinity dalaga. I represent the West. Light skin Filipina with a flat nose. Much love to my brown skin sisters you should love your skin. It’s the oppressors that convinced you, melanin is a deadly sin. They taught us to hate ourselves and love they wealth. Don’t fall for the trap. Health is wealth.

To all my Filipinas remember our wombs carry the blood and history of 7,000 islands. Remember our land was an original patriarchy, us womxn have the power to bring a man to his knees.

Being Asian is just an umbrella term. Embrace your dark hair, almond eyes, and skin. Take the power back and claim your people. Your culture is rich.

- ALYSSA MENDOZA