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brown and black people on shark tank
by Angbeen Saleem

We are seeking one million dollars for 12% of our stories. This product will revolutionize the industry. We are revolutionaries. We are evolutionaries. I used to work in the restaurant business. I graduated from Harvard, Yale, and Princeton with a BA, MBA, PhD from all three. I’m a sophomore in college. I’m in high school. I’m 10 years old. I haven’t been born yet. My family told me I wasn’t going to make it. My family was very supportive. Yes, there is a need for this product in our communities. Yes, people have curly hair in our communities.Yes, people die in our communities. Yes, this is an original recipe. Yes, my mother gave it to me. She died single-handedly saving a burning bus full of orphans on I-95. No, there’s no product like this on the market yet. No, this isn’t a niche product. I mean there is a large niche for this product. Yes, there is a need for this kind of product. No, this product isn’t exclusively for my community. I am not being exclusive. I’ve never been exclusive. I have never been excluded. Yes, I’m sure anyone can use this product. Yes, anyone with hair or heart or nails or feet can use this product. Yes, the margins are high enough. Yes, we’re cash flow positive. Yes, my people have money. Yes, my parents had money. I’m a hard worker. If you tell me to jump, I’ll fly. I’ll quit my job. I’ll quit my wife. I’ll quit my life. My family came here with no money. My family has no money. My money has no money. I’m worth it, I promise. You won’t regret it. I believe in this product. I believe in this brand so much. I want money, not a loan and here’s a story about the time my dad took a loan out and we couldn’t eat for the next ten years. Please take a chance on us. I believe in me. I believe in America. We’re sorry to hear that you’re out. Thank you thank you thank you.

"brown and black people on shark tank" by Angbeen Saleem. Used by permission of the poet. Originally published in Pigeon Pages.