Felicia Griffin, Untitled (D3734), 2015. Mixed media on paper 31 x 23” unique. Image courtesy of the artist and NIAD Art Center.

Felicia Griffin, Untitled (D3734), 2015. Mixed media on paper 31 x 23” unique. Image courtesy of the artist and NIAD Art Center.

 

Black and Brown 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.

Published June 7th, 2020


Angbeen Saleem works at a local community foundation in New York City. She hails from the jawn that made jawn happen, played Othello once in a high school English class, and is a Pink Door Fellow. You can find her work in the Blueshift Journal, Bayou Magazine and in other timelines of the multiverse. Follow her on Instagram (@angribeen) and Twitter (@angbe3n).



Felicia Griffin is a prolific multimedia artist based in Richmond, California. She has been exhibiting work with Nurturing Independence Through Artistic Development (NIAD) Art Center since 1985. More of her work is available to view and purchase through NIAD. Founded in 1982, NIAD Art Center is a nonprofit art organization in Richmond, California. NIAD provides studios, supplies, art technicians, and gallery space for artists with disabilities. Artwork can be viewed and purchased through NIAD’s website.