Told by society’s eyes That I am to be marginalized. And then criticized. But I revoke your proclamation of greed and deceit. I have spent years debating the Race. Filling empty space With tone deaf sentimentBuilt up resentment. Incomplete stories And wicked images.Until I soon realized that I am already enough. In my mind, The story
We wait no more. For the time has come when the Sick and tired are sick of being tired. Shedding the old ways of wailing, crying, and begging for change Hands up? If only to protect the face, block the blows and counterpunch the systemic plan to oppress. Let us pray and protest.. maneuver
Timeless. ….an extraction of falsehood. Overcoming the destruction in the neighborhood. Riding along the path to true unification, navigating gentrification. And so, my soul seeks the mastery of self I wake early to read the books on my shelf: From Walker’s Jubilee to Washington’s Up From Slavery I search for answers in the pages of
The African symbology that embodies me forces my soul to awaken and find strength in truth. A wise elder once spoke to me and then blessed my eyes with an honorable path to freedom. As I apporached my fourth life cycle, I knew that death was on the horizon. Not knowing in what shape or
I am indeed American. Distant and destructive. I AM, the man who once bore the pain from the proof of the swords that slashed the innocent souls. Deemed honorable and desolate, I hold my ground, like a massive painting leaning against the wall. On the wall of justice, wrestling with those teeth clinching moments of
Whenever I feel the heavy burdens of life I reach out to a hip-hop verse that I know pretty well. It gives me a familiar feeling and I feel powerful because I know the verse so well. Quick tip: As I sat in the car waiting to interview for my current librarian position, I listened
Defend Lord, these Thy children in all their work and all their prayer. Spread among them the desire to know and learn and do. Let them grow in the capacity for worthy work and in all their working and thinking let them not forget the host of witnesses about them – those that love and those
42 Years and I am honored to be alive, in this present state. I receive blessings daily and offer thanks to the ancestors. From Emma to Otis, John Charles, Penford, Lizzie, James, Little, Johnny, Lucinda, and countless others – amazing people – Pam, Ray, Will, Ryan, Thaddeus, Justin, Jonathan, Kai, Dr. Williams. Ashe’ Asante sana.
By far, one of my favorite poets and poems of all time. I had the honor of walking the campus of Jackson State University when she was there, marching in the Sonic Boom of the South with her grandson, and serving her dinner as a waiter at Red Lobster! Hope this touches you as well…
