Enlightened minds break down synthetic barriers. They carry burden with pride Often, with no soldiers on their side Just pretenders and defenders of the same bullshit that they have done their whole lives But regardless of the wake up and rise up. When you’re standing in the dungeon, simply climb up When … Continue reading Rhapsody
As I navigate incessant noise Of arguments and gun shots Racial rants, schemes and political plots My ears grow weary, bleeding on queue. The rhetoric and ridiculous notions Of materialism and mental madness I need to get away from An inherent longing to be that butterfly who fleas, that monarch that travels cross seas and … Continue reading Another Long Journey
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 … Continue reading Enough
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 … Continue reading Standing in Line
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 … Continue reading Timeless
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 … Continue reading Mind Trip
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 … Continue reading Better Tomorrow
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 … Continue reading Verses: Knocking off the Nerves
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... … Continue reading For My People by Margaret Walker Alexander
AKOFENA ARTS - IT'S A VIBE 