Final answer:
The primary theme of Nikki Grimes' poem "JABARI UNMASKED" is the struggle for self-identity, reflecting experiences of African-American individuals in understanding and revealing their true selves amidst societal and internal challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main theme of the poem "JABARI UNMASKED" by Nikki Grimes is A) The struggle for self-identity. In the context of the poem and the supporting information provided, it's clear that Grimes, much like other poets mentioned, weaves a narrative that deeply explores the complexities of being African-American, the search for personal identity, and the notion of wearing 'masks' or veiling one's true self. The provided excerpts from the works of Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, and others, delve into the essence of African-American heritage, which is often a reflection of finding one's place and revealing one's identity amidst societal challenges.
Themes such as the triumph of the African-American spirit and the meditation on divided self-experience speak strongly to the theme of identity struggle. Furthermore, the ability to see beauty in harm, as discussed in the provided excerpts, echoes the idea of recognizing and unmasking one's true identity against perceived ugliness or adversity, emphasizing subjective beauty and universal human experiences. Therefore, the poem's experience aligns with the challenge of self-identity in the face of external pressures and inherent internal conflicts that African-American poets and their characters often face.